How should I handle this CA

[johnwantsahouse]

I received a letter from a CA for DTV for something back in 2009 for equipment.  This isn't the first letter from them and it's not on any of my reports.  I returned it so don't beleive I owe the debt.  

I'm trying to purchase a house and my scores are good enough right now.  What should I do to make sure this doesn't appear on my report.  The letter they sent was a settlement for 50%.  I'm afraid that if I pay it, they will throw it on the reports and it will drop my score.  Also, the letter was a settlement that had to be met by 6/5, so I'm worried if I call them, they won't take that still and I'd have to ask them not to place it on the reports if I pay it. 

Should I leave it alone until after the house? It's been out there for a few years and they've sent letters before.  I did opt out about 3 weeks ago.  The letter was mailed before I applied for a mortgage so I don't beleive they mailed the letter cause of seeing I applied for a mortgage.

[rckstrscott]

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@johnwantsahouse wrote:

I received a letter from a CA for DTV for something back in 2009 for equipment.  This isn't the first letter from them and it's not on any of my reports.  I returned it so don't beleive I owe the debt.  

I'm trying to purchase a house and my scores are good enough right now.  What should I do to make sure this doesn't appear on my report.  The letter they sent was a settlement for 50%.  I'm afraid that if I pay it, they will throw it on the reports and it will drop my score.  Also, the letter was a settlement that had to be met by 6/5, so I'm worried if I call them, they won't take that still and I'd have to ask them not to place it on the reports if I pay it. 

Should I leave it alone until after the house? It's been out there for a few years and they've sent letters before.  I did opt out about 3 weeks ago.  The letter was mailed before I applied for a mortgage so I don't beleive they mailed the letter cause of seeing I applied for a mortgage.

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How soon are you looking to start the mortgage process? (EDIT: I see you already started)

MOST experiences seem to indicate if you pay before reporting, they have no real reason to report since credit reporting is used in a CA's situation as leverage to pay. If there is no debt, they likely won't report.

There is nothing to keep them from reporting, but I have paid a couple before reporting and none of them have ever show up. Although I am sure someone will chime in saying they had this happen to them

-scott

[johnwantsahouse]

I basically started the morgage process already.  I submitted an app with Wells Fargo and the lady emailed me Friday saying she beleives I will be approved for the amount I requested.  She said to let her know if I want FHA or USDA and she'd submit to the Underwriter for pre approval.  I have the house picked out, so if they give me pre approval, I will proceed.

I'm just worried if I call them, they will say no we only will if you PIF now or something and won't honor the 50% settlement.