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It helps to opt out...
It helps to freeze reports.... Would have to unfreeze to apply for mortgage.
Neither can stop a collection company from seeing your reports as you owe them money and they have a permissable purpose.
What it does do is stop the credit bureaus from sending your information to companies for marketing purposes, which in turn may notify collection company you are applying for a mortgage.
While I hear all the different stories and problems others have, if you have a good LO or Broker your loan should close in 10-20 days, pending you meet all qualifications.