Paying off 7 month old collection

[Anonymous]

So need some advice, had a phone plan with ATT by the time i realized i hadn't paid it was sent to collection. Now i'm trying to buy a house and i called them to take care of the balance but they won't delete it off my credit  even willing to pay it off the same day. I was told if i pay it now it will take points off my score which i can't allow that to happen. So what are my options? 

[NC_Mtg_Loaner]

Is it a legitimate claim?

Then pay it I say.   Since it occurred within the last two years it's a derogatory account that holds your score back from being its best.  Pay it ASAP so that it will at least show as paid zero balance and your score can quickly recover. 

[Anonymous]

NC_Mtg_Loaner....

I have a question based upon your response.
Are you saying that a collection does not affect mortgage scores if older than 2 yrs?
I have one from 2015 ($60) and on MyFico it states one reason for having ow mortgage scores as being an account in collections.

Only equifax is reporting the item and since my scores dropped last time I filed a dispute...trying to weigh whether worth it to do so.

Thanks Much!

[Anonymous]

May i ask who the collection is with bc i recently had a similiar situation?

[homeloanexpert]

Based on my experience, any collection placed on your credit within the last 12 months has the most significant impact on your score. I always tell my clients to pay it if you want to increase your scores. If you can get a pay to delete even better. Any collections older than that I usually tell my clients don't pay it unless you can get a PTD. Most lenders no longer require collections or charge offs to be paid off anymore. Sometimes it better to leave sleeping dogs lying right where they are.