My Fiance and I were in the process of buying our first home when a collection from T-mobile hit my CR and threw a monkey wrench into the loan approval process. I had a legitimate beef with the illegitimate collection from T-Mobile for $256. I was getting no traction with the lower levels of T-Mobile ("It's in collection so it's out of our hands") and even less traction with the CA ("Pay for delete's are illegal, end of story, you're stuck with this, pay your bill scum") so I decided to write a letter to the CEO an President of T-Mobile, John Legere.
Jon Legere has a reputation for being big on customer service so I knew there was a chance. I explained my plight in a carefully worded email and the next day I received a call from someone on his Executive Response team. Within a couple of days I paid the $256 (re-imbursed from my employer whom the account actually belonged) and all traces of the account and the collection were removed from my credit reports. A few weeks later our loan was finalized and we closed on our house.
I don't want to encourage anyone to take this route if they have a legitimate collection against them. I think that could just dillute the good will from that office. But if you are stuck with a collection that really shouldn't be yours, then explain your situation in a friendly email to Mr. Legere and you might just get the human response you deserve.
Starting Score: 556
Great story. Thanks for sharing. I love T-Mobile...well, as much as anyone can love a cellphone company. Enjoy your new house - looks like beautiful!
Congratulations to you and the future Mrs On your home 
Congrats!
Sweet, congrats on your home
Congratulations on your new home!