Here's how you can become a First-Time Homebuyer in just "SIX" easy steps!

STEP ONE:

Complete and Submit the Pre-Qualification Worksheet.
If you are eligible, you will receive an application and a request for the proper documentation for review. Click here for a copy in English / Spanish / Chinese  
  
If your answers indicate that you meet the necessary income and other requirements, print out and fill out your name and address to receive a formal First-Time Homebuyer's Application. Mail to the City of Alhambra-Housing Division, 111 S. First St., Alhambra, CA 91801. 

STEP TWO:

Submit Completed First-Time Homebuyer's Application with All Supporting Documentation. 
It is important to submit all documents requested. Failure to do so will suspend the review process until all documents are received. This step includes attending a homebuyer workshop to become knowledgeable about the homebuying process.

STEP THREE:

Receipt of Approval Letter from the City of Alhambra. If the City of Alhambra finds that your First-Time Homebuyer's Application meets all requirements, you will receive a letter of approval and determination by the city housing staff as to which First-Time Homebuyer's Program is most suitable to your particular situation:

-- City of Alhambra sponsored First-Time Homebuyer's Program
-- Alhambra Redevelopment Agency (ARA) sponsored Homebuyer's Program

It is also at this time that you may begin searching for a lender, realtor or broker to shop for a home.   

STEP FOUR:

Find a Home You Are Interested In and Make an Offer.
Prior to making an offer on a home you are interested in, contact the City of Alhambra Housing Division for a thorough inspection of the property.

STEP FIVE:

Open Escrow and Request a Certified Home Inspection Report.
Once your offer has been accepted, you will need to have a Certified Home Inspection of the property. You will then need to submit a Home Inspection Report to the City of Alhambra. Request of fund is to be made to the City of Alhambra by submitting the proper documentation.  

STEP SIX:

Escrow Completed -- Home Ownership Begins.  
After the escrow process is completed, you will become a proud first-time homebuyer with all the rights and responsibilities thereof!

For more information, contact the City of Alhambra/Alhambra Redevelopment Agency - Housing Division by calling (626) 570-5037.

Related:

1. Sample Loan Agreement
2. Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America - Information on homebuying assistance, rehabilitation programs and neighborhood revitalization
3. Consumer Credit Counseling - Information on first-time homebuyer workshops, credit consolidation and debt management
4. L.A. County CDC - Information for first-time homebuyers (including first-time homebuyer workshops) and home improvement programs in English & Spanish
5. Fannie Mae Foundation - Information for first-time homebuyers in nine languages
6. California Real Estate Center.com - Provides information on Alhambra MLS listings/Hud Homes/Foreclosures & More
7. The League of American Homeowners - A central resource of information for home remodeling, real estate transactions and financing

      Local Lending Institutions:

1. Bank of America Online Home Loan Info.
   Local Branch Locations: 160 E. Main St. & 444 E. Valley Blvd.
2. Bank of the  West Online Home Loan Info. 
   Local Branch Location: 100 S. Garfield Ave.
3. California Bank & Trust Online Home Loan Info, 
   Local Branch Location: 230 E. Valley Blvd.
4. Cathay Bank Home Online Loan Info.
   Local Branch Location: 601 N. Atlantic Blvd.
5. Chase Home Finance Online Home Loan Info. 
   Newly relocated in Alhambra at 39 S. Garfield Ave.
6. Citibank Online Home Loan Info.
   Local Branch Location: 1 West Bay St. 
7. East-West Bank Online Home Loan Info. 
   Local Branch Location: 1881 W. Main St & 403 W. Valley Blvd.
8. EverTrust Bank of Washington Online Home Loan Info.
   Local Branch Location: 200 S. Garfield Ave., #100
9. Lockheed Credit Union Online Home Loan Info.
   Local Branch Location: 900 S. Fremont Ave.
10. Omni Bank Online Home Loan Info.
    Local Branch Location: 1235 S. Garfield Ave.
11. Public Works Credit Union Online Home Loan Info.
    Local Branch Location: 900 S. Fremont Ave.
12. The Bank of East Asia Online Home Loan Info.
    Local Branch Location: 1138 S. Garfield Ave.
13. United Commercial Bank Online Home Loan Info.
    Local Branch Location: 345 W. Valley Blvd.
14. Washington Mutual Online Home Loan Info.
    Local Branch Location: 401 E. Valley Blvd.
15. Wells Fargo Bank Online Home Loan Info.
    345 E. Main St. and 123 S. Chapel Ave.