We Got Orders…Now What!??!

Your First Steps After Receiving PCS Orders to Whidbey Island

If you just received PCS orders to Whidbey Island, first off — thank you for your service. Second… take a breath. I know firsthand how stressful military moves can be. The good news? You’re heading to one of the most beautiful duty stations in the Pacific Northwest, home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

I’m Nick Ricci with Coldwell Banker 360 Team, and I specialize in helping military families relocate to Oak Harbor and the surrounding Whidbey Island communities.

So let’s talk about the most important first step.

Step 1: Call Me Before You Do Anything Else

📞 360-632-6433

📧 Nick.r@cb360team.com

Before you start browsing Zillow.

Before you apply for base housing.

Before you sign a lease.

Call me.

Here’s why:

1. We’ll Build a Game Plan Around Your Timeline

Every PCS move is different. Some families have 30 days. Some have 90. Some are already in town. Your reporting date, house hunting leave, and whether you’re selling at your previous duty station all matter.

We’ll map out:

• When to house hunt
• Whether to rent or buy
• How to use your BAH strategically
• What makes sense financially for your length of orders

2. I’ll Break Down the Whidbey Housing Market for You

Oak Harbor is not Seattle. It’s not Everett. It’s its own unique market.

We’ll talk about:

• On-base housing vs. off-base options
• Commute times to NASWI
• Resale value if you get orders again in 2–4 years
• Neighborhoods that hold value best

A lot of military families don’t realize how strong the rental demand is here because of the base. Buying can sometimes be a wealth-building opportunity instead of just a housing solution.

3. We’ll Talk VA Loan Strategy

If you’re eligible for a VA loan, that’s an incredible benefit — but strategy matters.

We’ll cover:

• Zero down vs. putting money down
• Funding fee considerations
• Interest rate environment
• Future entitlement usage

I work with lenders who understand military timelines and can close quickly when needed.

4. I’ll Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes

The biggest mistakes I see PCS families make:

• Signing a lease sight unseen without understanding the area
• Choosing base housing without comparing long-term costs
• Buying the wrong type of property for resale
• Waiting too long and getting stuck in a tight market

My job is to make sure none of that happens.

Why Work With Me?

• I understand military moves.
• I know Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island inside and out.
• I’m local, responsive, and aggressive when negotiating.
• I protect your long-term financial picture — not just this move.

When you call me, you’re not just getting a realtor. You’re getting a relocation strategy.

What To Do Right Now

If you’ve got orders in hand:

1. Save my number in your phone: 360-632-6433
2. Send me a quick email: Nick.r@cb360team.com
3. Tell me your report date and family size

From there, we’ll schedule a strategy call and start building your plan.

PCS moves are stressful. But getting stationed at Whidbey Island? That’s a blessing.

Let’s make this your smartest move yet.

Nick Ricci

Coldwell Banker 360 Team

Oak Harbor, WA

📞 360-632-6433

📧 Nick.r@cb360team.com