Can a First-Time Buyer Afford Bothell in 2026? Condo, Townhome and House Prices Plus Down Payment Help

Short answer: Yes, but in 2026 the realistic first purchase in Bothell is usually a condo, not a house. Redfin's September 2026 figures by home type show a median sale price of $489,950 for Bothell condos, $975,012 for townhouses, and $1,119,554 for single-family homes. At this week's 7.24% average rate, a median condo with 5% down comes to about $3,172 a month in principal and interest. Washington's state down payment programs, including ARCH, which lists Bothell as a member city, can help with the cash needed to close if your income and the home qualify.

Bothell prices by home type

Source: Redfin, Bothell WA housing market, September 2026 data by property type, checked October 29, 2026. Condo and townhouse figures rest on fewer than 20 sales each, so they can swing a lot from month to month. Bothell straddles King and Snohomish counties, and Redfin's figures cover the whole city. Redfin hadn't published October 2026 figures yet when we checked, so these are still September numbers.

What does the monthly payment look like?

Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.24% for the week of October 29, 2026. At each median price, principal and interest alone come to roughly:

• Condo ($489,950): 5% down ($24,498) is about $3,172/month; 20% down ($97,990) is about $2,671/month.
• Townhouse ($975,012): 5% down ($48,751) is about $6,312/month; 20% down ($195,002) is about $5,316/month.
• Single-family ($1,119,554): 5% down ($55,978) is about $7,248/month; 20% down ($223,911) is about $6,104/month.

These figures leave out property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, and mortgage insurance, which lenders usually require with less than 20% down. Your own rate depends on your credit, loan type, and points, so get a lender quote before you compare homes.

Down payment help a Bothell buyer can ask about

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) runs the state's main programs. Each assistance loan must be paired with a Commission first mortgage (Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity), and each one requires a free WSHFC homebuyer education class. The options most likely to fit a Bothell purchase:

• Home Advantage DPA: 3%, 4%, or 5% of the first-mortgage amount at 0% interest. Household income up to $215,000, and you don't have to be a first-time buyer. The home must be your primary residence.
• House Key Opportunity DPA: up to $15,000 at 1% simple interest. For first-time buyers, or for buyers purchasing in a Target Area. Income limits in King and Snohomish counties are $93,350 for a 1–2 person household and $116,650 for 3 or more. A needs assessment is required.
• ARCH (East King County): up to $30,000 at 4% simple interest, with no first-time-buyer requirement. WSHFC lists Bothell among ARCH member cities. Price limits are $646,000 for an existing home and $660,000 for new construction. Income limits run from $81,700 for one person to $116,650 for four. You contribute 2% of the price yourself (up to half can be a gift), the home can't have been occupied by a tenant within 90 days of the purchase and sale agreement, and you need a one-on-one pre-purchase counseling session as well as the class.

These assistance loans don't require monthly payments. The balance comes due when you sell, refinance, transfer the home, stop living in it as your primary residence, or pay off the mortgage. Bothell's median condo sits under ARCH's existing-home price limit; the townhouse and single-family medians are well above it. Since ARCH is an East King County program and Bothell spans two counties, ask a Commission-trained lender to confirm that a specific address qualifies before you count on it.

Condo or townhouse: what to check before you write an offer

1. Read the resale certificate. Under RCW 64.90.640, a Washington condo seller must give you a resale certificate from the association. It lists current and special assessments, other fees, any expected repair or replacement cost over 5% of the association's annual budget, and whether there is a reserve study. You can cancel within five business days after you first receive it, unless you got it more than five business days before you signed the contract.
2. Price the HOA dues into the payment. The payment figures above don't include them.
3. Ask your lender early whether the building works with the loan and assistance program you plan to use.
4. Take the WSHFC class early. It's free, every Commission assistance program requires it, and WSHFC says you can take it at any time.

FAQ

Can a first-time buyer afford Bothell in 2026?

Often, with a condo. Redfin's September 2026 median for Bothell condos was $489,950, compared with $975,012 for townhouses and $1,119,554 for single-family homes.

What is the monthly payment on a median Bothell condo?

About $3,172 a month in principal and interest with 5% down, or about $2,671 with 20% down, at Freddie Mac's 7.24% average for the week of October 29, 2026. Taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and mortgage insurance are extra.

Does Bothell qualify for ARCH down payment assistance?

WSHFC lists Bothell as an ARCH member city. ARCH offers up to $30,000 at 4% simple interest for homes up to $646,000 (existing) or $660,000 (new construction), with income limits. Confirm a specific address with a Commission-trained lender.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to get help?

No, not for Home Advantage DPA or ARCH. House Key Opportunity DPA is for first-time buyers or buyers in a Target Area.

Are Bothell prices falling?

Redfin shows the citywide median down 9.13% year over year for the three months ending September 2026, and its September condo median down 12.5%. That describes recent sales, not a forecast.

Talk it through with a local agent

Peter Kim and Odigo Real Estate Club help first-time buyers compare Bothell condos and townhomes against a real budget and payment, with 25+ years combined experience. See our first-time home buyer resources, the Washington down payment assistance guide, or the Lynnwood vs Edmonds vs Bothell comparison.

Odigo Real Estate Club · 16108 Ash Way, Suite 201, Lynnwood, WA 98087 · (425) 409-3823 · Mon–Sat 9 AM–6 PM

Sources

• Redfin, Bothell WA housing market (three months ending Sept 2026, and September 2026 figures by property type), https://www.redfin.com/city/29439/WA/Bothell/housing-market , accessed Oct 29, 2026.
• Freddie Mac, Primary Mortgage Market Survey (30-year fixed 7.24% as of Oct 29, 2026), https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms , accessed Oct 29, 2026.
• Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Downpayment Assistance Programs (Home Advantage DPA, House Key Opportunity DPA, ARCH), https://www.heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/ , accessed Oct 29, 2026.
• Washington State Legislature, RCW 64.90.640 (resale of units; resale certificate), https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.90.640 , accessed Oct 29, 2026.

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