LEARN HOW THESE TWIN-SISTER VETERANS BOUGHT THE HOME OF THEIR DREAMS
Veterans United Home Loans is dedicated to helping veterans and military families become homeowners. Since its founding in 2002, the company has closed over 500,000 VA loans, and become the #1 VA lender for homebuyers in the nation, according to Department of Veterans Affairs 2022 lender statistics.
In honor of Veterans Day, we’re highlighting members of the military who have shared details of their service – along with their positive experiences in becoming homeowners with the assistance of Veterans United.
Identical twin sisters Sophia and Sonia Phillip like to do everything together – including enlisting in the Navy, going through boot camp and Engineering “A” school, serving on the USS Essex in Japan for five years, getting their United States citizenship, living together in Jacksonville, Florida, and eventually buying a home together.
Proud Trinidadians, the sisters relocated to the United States after high school, and joined the military on their 18th birthday. They had served in the BATCE Cadet Force while they were in high school, so joining the military was already something they had contemplated.
“We chose the Navy because there is a ‘buddy system,’” the sisters shared. “The recruiter guaranteed that the military would keep us together during our enlistment.”
While in the Navy, both sisters became top qualified as Space Supervisors in the Engine Room, became Surface Warfare and Aviation Warfare qualified, and were recognized for their superior performance multiple times. “Our military experience was nothing short of amazing. It was a blessing to be able to serve in the US Navy together. We got to see the world, mastered careers in a male-dominated field … and learned so much about discipline, sacrifice, dedication, success and gratitude.”
The sisters left the military after eight years of service and have since started their own nonprofit company called Veteran Homes, Inc., which provides resources and support for homeless veterans and vets facing hardships that are denying them stable housing. The sisters were inspired to give veterans the opportunity to successfully transition from the military to civilian lives, as they did.
Sonia and Sophia settled in South Florida and worked with Veterans United to purchase a home in a quiet neighborhood with a spacious backyard and pool. “The entire process was fantastic from start to finish,” they said. “Thanks to the Veterans United team and our senior loan officer, Craig, we learned that it was possible to merge VA Home Loans together in order to buy the home of our dreams.”
Veterans United offers a wide range of loans, including the VA loan, which is a government-backed mortgage option available to veterans, service members and surviving spouses. VA loans offer many distinct benefits, including 0% down payments, which allows families to purchase homes without having to spend years saving up for a significant lump-sum payment. Veterans and servicemembers can learn more at realtor.com/veterans.
VeteransUnited.com | 1-800-884-5560 | 550 Veterans United Drive, Columbia, MO 65201| Veterans United Home Loans NMLS # 1907 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). A VA approved lender; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Licensed in all 50 states. For State Licensing information, please visit http://www. veteransunited.com/licenses/. Equal Housing Opportunity. Licensed Mortgage Banker – NYS Department of Financial Services.