Help with three Collection Accounts

[absoluttiger]

I have come into enough money to hopefully settle three accounts I have in chargeoff/collection status. I am to the point I would just like to settle them, have them done, and then hope for goodwill letters later. My credit otherwise is recovering so having these behind me will be a relief. If I'm going to settle, I'd like to get the best deal I can, so any comments with experiences with these would be appreciated.

Each of these accounts dates back to early 2014:

1. Midland - $3400 - I know the attorney has filed a lawsuit, but I have not been served.

2. Calvary Portfolio Services - $3900 - Currently being collected by JC Christensen. They have sent a letter offering a settlement of half of the debt. I would suspect I could do better. EDITED TO ADD - I called JCC, it was pulled from them last week. Of course  Calvary will not answer the phone now.

3. Client Services - Currently $9800 - I pay them $225 a month right now, would like to make a lump sum settlement to be done. EDITED TO ADD - I offered them $4, they countered with $7600. I told them no thanks. Keep trying?

Thanks!

[TrinaGwyn]

Just some advice, when you are negotiating with them before you pay anything, get them to state in writing they won't put this on your credit report.  They say they can't do that but they can and they have for lots of people on this message board.  I didn't know this, and took the 7 year beat down and paid them to get them off my back.  Wish I would have been more of a negotiator.  Stay strong!!!!

[Anonymous]

I dont have any experience with any of these CA but if I was in your shoes :

1. I would make this my priority.   Is there anyway you can negotiate before you get served?  Or get an attorney to work out the details?  I say try to avoid a judgement at all cost.  Whatever you do, get a PFD.

2.  If I was in your shoes I would accept the half for a PFD with the new creditor.  Kill two birds with one stone.

3.  Since they countered with 7600 that means they are willing to play ball.  Counter them with 6000-6500 for a PFD.  4 is too low for a  9800 debt.

I know you want to GW later but I wouldnt.  You are taking a Huge calculated risk that can cost you alot of points, headaches, and frustration if they dont remove it later.   You got a large amount of debt and they want money.  So if you pay them and they update your records without removing it, you loss.  You could of kept that money in your pocket because the damage is already done.  I (like countless others) learned the hard way that you never pay a CA unless you get a PFD.  That should be a golden rule here.

Good luck and keep us updated.