#32 Expressing Your Thoughts on a Meal｜English Dining Phrases
Izumi English Morning
#30 Contacting a Real Estate Agency｜English Daily Life Phrases
Izumi
When moving to a new city for work or study, contacting a local real estate agency to gather information about apartments is essential.
In such situations, knowing how to communicate your preferences—such as rent, location, and layout—or ask about available properties in English will help ensure smooth communication.
In this article, I explain useful English expressions for inquiring with real estate agents, along with grammar tips and sample conversations.
Contents
Dialogue
Hello, I’m looking for a one-bedroom apartment near the city center.
Sure. What’s your budget range?
Ideally, under $1,200 a month.
I see. Are you looking for a furnished or unfurnished place?
Furnished would be better. I’ll be staying for about six months.
Got it. I’ll email you some listings that match your criteria.
1. Expressing Your Preferences
“I’m looking for ～” is a basic structure used to express that you are searching for a service or item.
- I’m looking for a one-bedroom apartment near the city center.
This expression uses the present continuous form (be + looking for) to emphasize that you are currently in the process of searching.
Place the item you are searching for after “for,” and add an adverbial phrase to specify the location (e.g., near the university, in Brooklyn).
- I’m looking for a quiet neighborhood.
- I’m looking for a pet-friendly apartment.
2. Asking and Talking About Budget
Confirming budget is essential when discussing real estate.
- What’s your budget range?
Using the phrase “budget range” encourages flexibility in the agent’s suggestions.
A common way to respond:
- Ideally, under $1,200 a month.
The word “ideally” softens the request and shows consideration for the listener.
Other examples:
- My budget is around $1,000.
- I’d prefer something under $900 if possible.
3. Asking About Furnishings
When apartment hunting, you may need to clarify whether you want a furnished (with furniture) or unfurnished(without furniture) place.
- Are you looking for a furnished or unfurnished place?
A furnished place typically includes furniture such as a bed, table, and chairs, which is convenient especially for short-term stays.
- Furnished would be better.
- Unfurnished is fine. I already have furniture.
Using “would be better” is a polite way to express your preference.
4. Explaining Your Length of Stay
When asked about the duration of your stay, you can reply using “I’ll be staying for ～.”
- I’ll be staying for about six months.
This uses the future continuous form (will + be + 〜ing) to indicate a planned, ongoing action.
- I’ll be staying for one year.
- I’ll be in the city for just a few weeks.
5. Being Offered Suitable Listings
An agent may suggest properties that fit your needs.
- I’ll email you some listings that match your criteria.
Here, “listing” is a real estate term meaning “property information.”
The word “criteria” means “desired conditions” (singular: criterion). Thus, “match your criteria” means “to meet your requirements.”
Summary
- I’m looking for ～
→ A basic expression for communicating what you are searching for. - What’s your budget range?
→ A practical question for confirming budget. - Furnished or unfurnished?
→ A standard question about furniture availability. - I’ll be staying for ～.
→ A polite way to explain the length of your stay. - I’ll email you some listings that match your criteria.
→ A common phrase used when suggesting properties that fit a client’s needs.
