11.Documentation
The primary documentation involved in applying for a housing loan is the loan agreement.A Loan Agreement is a contract signed between the buyer and the financial institution. A Loan Agreement contains major provisions such as the terms of the loan, principal sum of the loan, interest rates, default interest rate, penalty charges and repayment terms. It also sets out the duties of borrower and the lender and in the event of default, the rights and remedies of each party.

The other common legal documents that you may need to sign are Deed of Assignments, Charge documents and Power of Attorney.

Remember that throughout the tenure of the loan, your property is charged to the financial institution (i.e. the financial institution has a claim over your property). Whether you are buying a completed property or a property under construction, you should obtain an explanation from the attending lawyer on the major clauses of the agreement and the implications of each clause.

12.Valuation report
This documentation may be required if you purchase a fully completed property from a houseowner. The financial institution will appoint a property valuer from its panel of valuers to appraise the property. The valuation fee for this service starts from a few hundred ringgit upwards, depending on the value of the property and you will be charged for this service.

13.Insurance
It is extremely important to take insurance coverage when you purchase a house.
There are two important insurances to consider:
• The House Owner/Fire Insurance policy
This policy provides coverage for your property against natural disasters such as flood, fire, riot, strike and malicious damage. For properties with strata titles such as apartments or condominiums, you need not buy the insurance because the Management Corporation (MC) would have taken up insurance on the entire building.
You should ensure that you obtain the sub-certificate of the Master Policy issued by the insurance company from the MC and present it to the financial institution. This is necessary so that the financial institution is aware that the property has been insured and will not buy another fire insurance on your property. In such a case, you will be required to assign your rights under the policy to the financial institution.

• The Mortgage Life Assurance or MRTA
This type of policy provides for full settlement of the outstanding balance of the housing loan with the financial institution, in the event of total permanent disability or death of the borrower. Premiums can usually be included in the loan amount, and the repayment period of the premium is usually spread over the loan tenure.
The premium is only incurred once. There are no monthly or yearly premiums to be paid. In the event of early termination of housing loan, you will generally have the option to request for a refund of the premium for the balance of the unexpired period or to continue the insurance coverage.
Financial institutions have their own panel of insurers and most of them can arrange insurance on your behalf with the annual premium charged to your loan account.

14.Loan disbursement
The financial institution disburses (pays out) the loan once it has received advice from its lawyer that the legal process has been completed and the loan documents are in order. At this time you will be informed of the date and amount of the first instalment you have to make.

15.Rights and duties of the borrower and financial institution
Both borrower and financial institution have certain rights and duties during the course of the loan. Some of the more important ones include:

RIGHTS
i. Borrower
• Right to have access to all information that would affect your borrowing decision
• Right to be treated professionally, courteously and without prejudice
• Right to be consulted on changes to the terms and conditions of your loan
• Right to have accurate information on a regular basis on your loan account
• Right to enforce legal action in the event of a breach of contract

ii. Financial Institution
• Right to have full relevant disclosure of information on borrower's credit standing
• Right to correct and truthful information on the borrower
• Right to timely repayment of interest/ instalments of the loan
• Right to enforce legal action in the event of default/breach of contract

DUTIES
i. Borrower
• Duty to read and understand all terms and conditions of the loan
• Duty to observe the terms and conditions of the loan at all times
• Duty to enquire and get clarification on all aspects of the loan to their satisfaction
• Duty to make prompt payment on the fees, charges, interest and instalment of the loan

ii. Financial Institution
• Duty to discharge borrowers' obligations as described in the loan agreement
• Duty to consult borrowers on any changes made to the terms and condition, fees charged and other relevant information
• Duty to attend to all queries made by borrower

A Loan Officer can provide invaluable assistance, and clarify issues which you are unsure. Take the time to discuss your housing loan questions with a loan officer at length so that you can choose a loan facility that best suits your needs.