Well, I'm fairly new here, but from what I've read, and maybe somebody will correct me, but a CA report doesn't get "worse" over time, nor does it get better once it is paid.  Once it's gone to a CA, it's at a CA and time stands still (rush fan, leave me a lone).  Your/her best bet to try for a PFD.  If you're willing to pay it, and it'll need to be paid before the mortgage is written, then try to get them to delete it upon receipt of payment.  There has been a fair amount of success on this board, from what I've read, about PFD's.

Good luck