First Time Home Buyers (Discussion)

This is a discussion page for the first time home buyers. If you are the first time home buyer and do have questions, doubts or need someone to advised, you can post your questions here by leaving a comment.

Let's the expert, experience and helpful people out there to answer your questions. Hope everyone here could participate and share your information and also provide a guide for those who have posted their questions here. Thank You.

48 comments

September 27, 2009 at 9:31 PMtyler

Hi, im new in property and i only start work 3 years ago and my current salary is RM4.1K per month only. May i know wat kind of property is more suite me? I plan to buy for own stay + investment. Please help. Thanks

 
October 7, 2009 at 7:54 PMMuse-zik and Rocker

Hi,

The type of property that suits you depends on your life style - need to be near town area / shopping / or rural area? married? Like gardening, wide spaces (lande property), or like smaller easy to maintain space (apartment). Also are you buying for own stay or for investment?

It also depends on how much savings you have to determine the amount of loan to take. You should not use more than a third for your monthly house loan installment. Finance is a very big thing, and you must make sure you can afford to service your loan along with other debts (like car loan). You might need to sacrifice you social life a bit as there may be less to spend (vacation, pub, etc) or invest in other things. So buying a house is a big commit.

I think you should rent and get a feel about what suits you. Spend more time asking questions, and saving up more money.

 
October 13, 2009 at 3:47 PMUnknown

Hi, I was a happy owner of a Condominium unit in Penang until recently that a new neighbor move in with Dogs! The dogs bark at day time (whenever the master went out), night and rainy days (the master out them in balcony). I have noticed a few times that the dogs pee and poo in the elevator and common area.

Isn't it illegal to have pets in condominium? Is there any law actually prohibit pets in condominium? From which government or enforcement body i can seek help from?

Please advice.

 
October 13, 2009 at 5:51 PMUnknown

Joyce,

Just complaint to the management. In the S&P or related document, handbook, I cannot remember which, there is a rule that no pet allowed in condo.

 
October 14, 2009 at 11:42 AMUnknown

BUYING NEW HOME

What to expect – the buying process, parties involved, how long does it take. Owning a home is a process that involves multiple parties and requires patience. Searching for your dream home marks the start of the buying process and along the way, besides the buyer and seller, other parties such as lawyers, banks, the EPF, valuation companies, insurance companies, government officers (e.g. land office), real estate agents, family members and even friends come into play. With the exception of some who might take years to find their dream home, buying the home of your choice could reasonably be completed within two to six months...


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 11:50 AMUnknown

Tips to fast track

Finding Your DREAM HOME

#1 Determine the type of home you are looking for e.g. condominium, terrace, semi-detached, or bungalow.

#2 Check various sources to avoid wasting time travelling e.g. browse through the classifieds in newspapers and online, and contact real estate agents in your preferred locations.

#3 Save time by short listing to one or two locations before driving out to those areas.

#4 Visit the developer’s sales office or development site if you are looking for a new property.


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 11:59 AMUnknown

Negotiate on purchase price*

#1 Work out your budget and determine what amount you can afford.

#2 Have a price range to work with when negotiating.

#3 To estimate a property's market value, scan the classifieds, talk to residents in the neighbourhood you are interested in, and enquire about other properties that are for sale in that area

Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 12:02 PMUnknown

Sign Offer of Purchase & place earnest deposit/ booking fee

#1 Engage a lawyer or agent to prepare this for you or

#2 Agree the offer and terms with the seller

#3 Have ready the earnest deposit (usually 2% of the purchase price)* or the booking fee.


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 1:39 PMUnknown

Get Sale & Purchase Agreement (S&P) prepared and signed

#1 Appointing a lawyer with experienced in the property purchase process or one who is from the Bank's panel will expedite much of the legalities and documentation that need to be completed.


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 1:41 PMUnknown

Apply to EPF to withdraw from Account II

#1 Visit www.kwsp.gov.my for the relevant application form and a detailed list of documents required.

#2 Ensure that you have all the required supporting documents together with your application to EPF.


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 1:42 PMUnknown

Pay balance of deposit

#1 Follow up closely with your lawyer and the EPF office if you are withdrawing from EPF to help pay for the deposit.


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 1:46 PMUnknown

Apply for a bank financing

#1 Walk in to any bank branch or speak to a Home Financing Consultant to apply for a bank financing that suits your needs.

#2 Follow up closely with the Bank and/or Bank’s lawyer to ensure all necessary documents are signed as soon as possible e.g. the Letter of Offer.


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 1:48 PMUnknown

Appoint Valuation Company

#1 Appointing a valuation company that is on the Bank's panel can help expedite communication between the Bank, the valuation company and yourself.

A valuation is usually required if you buy a completed property.


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 1:50 PMUnknown

Sign Facility Agreement

#1 Follow up closely with the Bank and/or Bank’s lawyer to have this agreement signed as soon as it is prepared.


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 1:51 PMUnknown

Pay balance of purchase price

#1 Follow up with your lawyer to confirm payment is made and received by the seller’s lawyer.


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 1:55 PMUnknown

Get the keys !!!

Make arrangements with the seller to acquire the keys to the property.


Renovate

#1 Plan your renovation by obtaining the floor plan of the property and seek quotations from various contractors.

#2 Planning ahead helps save time because you will need to submit your renovation plans to the local town council for approval.


MOVE IN!!!

#1 Obtain quotes from movers/transport providers if you are moving large/heavy items.

#2 Packing early would let you move your things as soon as you get the keys to your new home.


Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 14, 2009 at 2:10 PMUnknown

There you go, I do hope these simple guidelines could help you if you're first time home buyer. I'm not an expert though, but I do understand how it feels to be a first time home buyer.

If you're looking for a dream home, feel free to contact me. I'll be here to take you there, to see that beautiful place which you shall call "Home"

Charlene
016-4158185
charleneprop@gmail.com

 
October 22, 2009 at 12:06 PMk

Joyce...keeping dogs is not allowed in condominiums..it is an official govt./housing rule...it is stated in black n white in the Deeds of Covenant that every owner is given together with S&P document.As BG advised complain to the management..in fact if nothing happens you can actually complain to the Health/Veterinary Dept.

 
October 24, 2009 at 5:17 PMUnknown

anyone knows how much is alila horizons rental?block A? fully furnished?? thanks....

 
November 6, 2009 at 12:53 AMLeprechaungal

Guess first time home buyers are various options to explore as many new projects r coming even directly from developers.

there are many rude and ridiculous agents this days..i have personally met one recently so if u guys need the info of the agent do contact me so that u wont be looking for him.

 
November 6, 2009 at 12:49 PMDMC

If you buying new property, make sure your S&P stated something about you can use any contractors to renovate your unit instead of subjected to recommended contractors a.k.a gangster contractors.

 
November 25, 2009 at 2:14 PMkelly

If we contacted agent who posted units for sale, should buyer pay the 1% commission to the agent when we purchase from the seller or the seller? Please advise.

 
January 4, 2010 at 9:28 PMJT

Pls refer to the following, caption from Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents website "http://www.miea.com.my/frame.php?page=faq.php":
"Who are real estate agents and how much should I pay for their service?
Registered Estate Agents are estate agents registered by the Board of Valuer, Appraisers and Estate Agents, Malaysia. The latest fee for service (as from March 16th, 2000) is 2.75% on the first RM500,000 transacted and 2% on the residue over RM500,000. The board only allow vendor (Property Seller) to bear the fee"

 
January 4, 2010 at 9:42 PMJT

but somehow why penang, or Jahor Bahru(?) having a separate practice of charging 1% each from buyer and seller, I am out of clue, perhaps somebody else can tell me this. I have personally paid for this 1% during my last purchase of a sub-sale unit.

 
March 15, 2010 at 12:33 AMkhoon huat

Anyone knows how to identify if the property is selling above the market price?

 
April 21, 2010 at 11:14 PMAnonymous

Are there any dangers in using the developer's panel lawyer for S&P and loan. Since they make you sign WAIVER OF REPRESENTATION.

 
April 24, 2010 at 2:14 AMkhoon huat

I am planning to get a apartment which is freehold and the estimate price 250 - 350. Anyone knows abt it?

 
April 24, 2010 at 10:03 AMTim

There are a lot of apartments up for sale in Penang everywhere.

If you need it for own stay, just go ahead. The partment will appreciate in long term aynway.

If you mean for investment, you may already miss the cycle. The prices have been inflated by 50% to >100% since 2008. For example, the apartment priced at RM400K+ today was only RM200K+ 3 years ago. The chance for further capital gain in near future is very low.

 
April 24, 2010 at 10:59 AMUnknown

khoon huat, there are many apartments with this price range. depend on which area, its surrounding, what size you want or how old is the building. You can look for E-park which is priced at ~260K-300K at this moment with ~1000sqf. good luck...

 
April 27, 2010 at 10:36 PMG's Food

I have recently purchased a sub-sale landed property in Penang.
My agent called to give me 2 options in paying her commission:
1. Issue a cheque payable to her directly for the amount of 1% of the purchased price - no official receitps will be issued
2. Issue a cheque to her property agency for the amount of 1% of the purchased price AND bare additional 5% of the commission for govt tax and entitle for the official receipts.

Is this legal? What's the catch?

 
May 4, 2010 at 8:28 AMszern

looking for lawyer to help do s&P and everything..
1st- banker 1st or lawyer 1st? banker need s&P to process the document and if my loan get reject i will lose my money in the lawyer side??

help pls

 
July 3, 2010 at 10:53 AMUnknown

To G's Food question:
1. usually you can ask for an unofficial receipt with/without company stamp, but must have details of payer written in it. U can use it to submit together with RPGT exemption form.

2. every year, auditor must check their company account and to submit Borang J. if u issue a check, payee to her agency account, the boss will hav to "kena" income tax. that is y that agent ask u to issue upon her name.

Note: Buyer or Seller can always issue cheque under the agency boss name if not confident directly issue to that agent name.
You can't differentiate it legal or illegal, it's just a useful loop hole.

 
July 10, 2010 at 2:10 AMalex

I WANT TO BUY A TERRACE HOUSE NEAR FARLIM BUT IT WAS 99 YEARS LEASEHOLD,WHAT IS THE IMPLICATIONS?

 
July 12, 2010 at 12:20 AMRobin

First time buyer and looking for a new DST house price not more than RM650K.

Any recommendation?

Please email me robinloh79@yahoo.com

 
July 15, 2010 at 8:53 PMmiZZ SecReT

Can the Leasehold title in Farlim convert to Freehold title? If possible, how many years will it take? Please explain below. Thanks for helpful advice.

 
July 17, 2010 at 11:27 AMUnknown

I am planning to get a condominium which is freehold and locate in Butterworth, have any good recommend.

 
August 13, 2010 at 4:30 PMUnknown

Hi guys, dis is de first time i chk out dis website. Is it good source to find good properties? Appreciate ur comment.

 
August 14, 2010 at 6:45 PMAnonymous

i am a malaysia ,who has stayed in singapore for the past 20 years...Recently attend a talk by ho chin boon ,the book author for location,timing,branding.. talk and would like to know if it is good buy for a condonimum unit in Refection? my purpose is to invest for medium to long term capital appreciation and have cashflow (rental income) ..is the units at around this condonium good at rental? by the way wat are the factors in penang for a continous rental?thanks -mdm kok

 
August 17, 2010 at 11:44 AMUnknown

I am 56 years old, is it possible to own a medium low cost apartment. I'm still working. JD

 
August 17, 2010 at 12:56 PMJT

Judith, it is always possible but in your case you will need to fork out more cash, or having to pay more interest. This is due to bank loan period, nowadays may able to cover up to 65-70 years old, but the shorter the loan period, the higher the interest unless you willing to offset with hard cash. For EPF wise, you may have to consult the officer in KWSP, there is an certain age limit for withrawal but since you are still working it may be different case.

 
August 22, 2010 at 3:40 PMdevilsin

Judith and jeff,

First Since Juidth is 56 years old, she can withdraw her EPF fully or 1/3 of her EPF when she reach 50 years old and above.

Second, is not worth to withdraw her EPF as last year EPF pay out 5.5% dividen and housing loan rate now generally below 5% and yet is based on daily rest basis.

Third, a medium cost apartment is ranging rm70K to rm100K. if Judith to buy a apartment at RM100k and if your loan is 90% for 5 years your installment is +/- RM1,650p.m. In order for the bank to approve this application your salary should be RM3500p.m without any commitment.

Other alternative is to use your son or daughter name in the loan so that the tenor can strech up to max 30 years. Thus the installment to be reduce to RM456p.m

 
August 22, 2010 at 3:53 PMdevilsin

Zest,

Ho Chin Boon is absolutely correct- location, timing and branding. Basically Penang island is Prime Area and Sg Ara is not too bad as the population there is growing with the support of FTZ.

Capital Appreciation - Not much
Rental income - No much
U must be asking WHY??
Price per sq ft is too high as all the cost/freebies had been factor in the sellling price.
estimation of rental is only max RM1-2K the max ROI is between 3%-5% (bettter to put in FD at 3% haha)
If your looking for continous in PENANG ISLAND then go and buy a low cost house and rent it out - the ROI is more than 7% is much higher compared to any of the condo. E.g if u buy a low cost of RM50K and your rental is RM400, with 10units of low cost your rental is RM4,000p.m. No way that condo can give a rental return of RM4000p.m in Sg Ara. Correct me if i am wrong.

 
August 28, 2010 at 4:09 PMUnknown

hi everyone..

need a small advice from u all..
my bf and his fren staying with a friend which now is uncomfortable they being there wanted them to move
so my bf decide to buy a house , he is earning around 1600 ..

please advice what type of house and how much muz be the budget

thankyou
sparkygurl

 
August 28, 2010 at 4:48 PMUnknown

Hi, Devilsin,

Not 100% agree on your statemnt.

For Condo, rental may be lower than 10 units low cost house, but the property appriciation is much higher.

In Penang, low cost flat minimum price is 70K. So, 400K only can get maximum 6 units. Total rental is 2.4K. Btw, I still able to get some units with RM350 rental.

Renting a low cost flat is not an easy job. There is higher risk that you may not able to collect the rental in time or, never get the rental.

Hi, Zest,

Sg. Ara is not a good place to invest a condo to get rental. FIZ is actually not too near and limited road access to the area and heavy traffic during peak hour compared to other area.
For a FIZ worker, their prefered area is Bayan Baru. Current new condo available is D'Piazza, The One, Elite Height.

 
August 29, 2010 at 10:07 PMhouse

Hi, my friend paid a 1% deposit for an apartment bought through an agent company, but have yet to receive the seller's documents etc for more than 2 weeks, can he demand for his deposit back. Why are they taking so long when usually they'll arrange with their lawyer to contact buyer's lawyer, right? Anyone can advise please?
Thanks very much.

 
August 29, 2010 at 11:57 PMameer

House,buyer shud check with his lawyer or check with agent,you can demand for refund of deposit,but the question is will they comply with ur request?

 
December 12, 2010 at 3:41 PMGuess

Hi,
I got problem looking for a double storey
terrace house in malaysia. First buyer and
needed desperate advice. wanted a corner house
near sebarang jaya near my parents but not
too expensive below RM350K.

Any advice? Thanks

 
March 1, 2011 at 2:05 PMUnknown

Hi,
May anyone let me know which low cost houses worth to invest?

Penangkia