The California Employee Loan Program (CELP) is a specialized mortgage program for California public employees, offering reduced pricing, transparent fees, and streamlined approvals.
Available to eligible employees of California public agencies, including city, county, and state organizations.
No Spam, We Promise
We exist to simplify the mortgage process for California public employees and remove the unnecessary costs built into traditional lending.
CELP is a direct-to-consumer program designed specifically for California public employees. Here’s how we can get you lower rates than traditional lenders:
A simpler model translates into real advantages for qualifying California Public Employees:
The CELP Difference
We designed each one to simplify your journey, save you money, and give you confidence from application to close.
Public Employee Pricing™ structures mortgage rates and fees specifically for California public employees, often resulting in lower overall borrowing costs than traditional retail lenders.
OfferReady™ provides a loan approval reviewed by underwriting rather than an automated pre-approval, giving sellers and listing agents greater confidence in the financing.
Every Loan Estimate is reviewed in detail to confirm accuracy and competitiveness. When a better legitimate quote is available, RateEdge™ ensures it is matched.
Savings can be applied in different ways depending on individual goals. With FlexSave™, borrowers can lower monthly payments, reduce upfront costs, or optimize long-term interest savings.
PartnerAgent™ provides access to a vetted network of top-performing local real estate agents, along with added value such as savings on services like home warranties at closing.
With FeeFighter™ all loan fees are tracked, explained, and verified upfront to prevent hidden charges and last-minute surprises before closing.
Our clients consistently say the same things: it finally felt straightforward, they understood their options, and they weren’t treated like a number.
Just completed our refinance and it was a breeze! Megan and Jacquie are an amazing team! They are smart, hardworking, caring and knowledgeable!…
Olga G.
I had a truly wonderful experience working with Happy Dog. From the very beginning, the team was professional, helpful, and prompt in guiding me through each step of the home loan process…
Jenny U.
I am glad I chose CELP and Mike McGee was outstanding with his service. He was always available for me. He explained the details and helped me out along the way…
Lorena S.
Mike McKee, excellent service. His patience helped me to walk through the homebuying process with ease. He was available whenever I contacted him…
Althea O.
I discovered Jason and HappyDog through a websearch “California Employees Home Loan”. We had just found out we were going to lose our rental and needed to purchase a home…
Chris L.
OMG!!! Mike Mckee is phenomenal…I worked with him for almost 2yrs..I had lots of issues prior to opening and he continued to reach out to me and stay in contact…
Valerie S.
HappyDog was easy to work with and highly responsive during our escrow process. I highly recommend them.
Taylor M.
Mike McKee’s professionalism and efficiency are truly impressive. He seamlessly guides clients through the lending process with his expertise…
Edward K.
Tori was amazing! She was providing several options for our budget for us to review and explained pros and cons with each option…
Mariah H.
Whether You’re Buying or Refinancing
When you click to get started, we’ll ask a few simple questions about what you’re trying to figure out — whether that’s eligibility, rates, scenarios, or timing. From there, you’ll hear from a dedicated loan officer by text or email, and you’ll work with that same person every time.
No phone trees. No handoffs. No pressure to move faster than you’re ready.
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Some people just want answers. Others need numbers quickly. We can talk through scenarios, share current rates, confirm eligibility, or provide a fully underwritten approval when needed — often in as little as 10 minutes.
We’ll meet you where you are and move at the pace that makes sense for you.
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If you decide to move forward, we’ll guide you through the next steps clearly and efficiently. If you’re not ready, that’s fine too. We’re here as a resource, whether you need immediate help or just want to understand your options.
We communicate by text, email, or phone — and we only call if you ask us to.
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Types Of Jobs That Qualify
County systems run deep. Hospital nurses and clinicians. Sheriff's deputies and corrections officers. Health and human services staff. Each one carries the same eligibility.
City departments employ thousands across California. Teachers in district schools, firefighters at city stations, police on city streets, clerks in city halls. All qualify.
State agencies span the whole state. Highway patrol. State fire. Corrections. Transportation. Administrative roles in Sacramento and beyond. All public employees. All eligible.
Your service didn't end when you left the job. If you served California as a public employee, you still qualify. We remember what you gave.
Check Your Real Numbers
Get a clear picture of your monthly payment — fast, accurate, and built for California’s public employees.
Hear It From Them
Public employees across California share the same relief: clear options, transparent costs, and a responsive expert who stays with them throughout the process.
Put it to the test. Our RateEdge™ Guarantee means we’ll beat a legitimate Loan Estimate — or take theirs.
Ask Us
For any unanswered questions, reach out to our support team. We’ll respond as soon as possible to assist you.
The length of your transaction is determined by an individual’s situation. With that said, Happy Dog generally closes our loans within 30 days and our promise to you is that we will close on time and smoothly.
Our discounts are available to any borrower who is employed by or retired from the state, city or county. The loan options will be determined by your credit history as well as comparing your income and your current debt.
You’ll need proof of employment, recent pay stubs, tax returns, and identification. We’ll walk you through the full list during your eligibility check. Having these ready speeds up the process.
As mortgage brokers, we have access to a wide network of lender partners, allowing us to shop multiple options on your behalf. This flexibility helps us find competitive rates and loan programs that align with your specific scenario.
Rates vary based on market conditions and borrower qualifications. All loans are subject to credit approval.
Yes, refinancing is a common strategy for homeowners. If rates drop or you’d like to access equity through a cash-out, refinancing your home loan can be a helpful option. Our team can guide you through all available options.
Refinancing is subject to market conditions, lender guidelines, and credit approval.
For any unanswered questions, reach out to our support team. We’ll respond as soon as possible to assist you.
No credit hit, no spam, no call centers – just clear answers from real people who understand California’s public employees.
