First time buying a house, is the RM3000 booking fee refundable if loan rejected?

First house is exciting but go slow. That RM3000 is an earnest/booking deposit, and whether it's refundable depends entirely on the terms in the booking form the agent gives you. From my experience, reputable agents use forms stating the deposit is refundable if the buyer's loan is unsuccessful after reasonable effort. Before signing, get pre-approval or at least check your loan eligibility (DSR, credit via CCRIS/CTOS) so you're not paying blind. Ask the agent directly, in writing, what happens if the loan is rejected, and make sure it matches the form. Appoint a conveyancing lawyer, many give free initial advice. Don't let anyone rush you into paying to 'lock' before you understand the refund terms. Property is too big to be blur about.

From my experience buying subsale, the earnest deposit (usually 2-3 percent, but sometimes a smaller booking fee) is governed by the letter/form you sign, so READ it carefully before paying. A proper agreement should include a clause that if your loan is rejected (with genuine attempts to secure financing), the earnest deposit is refundable, minus perhaps a small admin fee. If the form has no such clause, you risk losing it. Never pay based on verbal promises. Insist the refund-on-loan-rejection clause is written in. Also, get a lawyer involved early, the SPA and loan documentation should go through your own lawyer. For a purchase this size, spending on proper legal advice upfront is well worth avoiding a costly mistake.