House buyers "how-to"

29/03/2002 Malay Mail

The launch of the Home Ownership Campaign (HOC) yesterday also saw the introduction of a new book for house buyers.

The "House Buyers Guide" is published by the House Buyers Association (HBA), which will also be participating at HOC 2002.

In launching the book, Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, the Deputy Minister of Housing & Local Government praised the HBA's efforts as a non-governmental organisation that took a very proactive part in safeguarding consumer rights.

He also lauded the publishing of such a book because: "Although property development is an important part of the economy, the  parties involved should not trample on house buyers interests."

According to Chang Kim Loong, the secretary-general of the HBA, the introduction of the "House Buyers Guide" is to meet the lack of information exhibited by prospective home buyers.

"Many prospective home buyers usually have little knowledge of what aspects of a home they should look for to get the best value for their money or property," he said.

The Guide is designed to save the house buyer time, money and stress with direct, unbiased, no-nonsense advice.

Laid out in a checklist format in a language which is friendly and easy -to-read, the Guide has twelve chapters which emphasise issues relevant to the potential house buyer. These include topics on "Legal Fees", Sale & Purchase Agreement", "Financing/Loans" and "Insurance.

"The handbook emphasises the fundamental rights of buyers so that they can be constantly on guard to avoid the likelihood of possible and future pitfalls," said Chang.

To be made available at the HOC 2002, the "House Buyers Guide" retails at RM5 and is available in three languages.