Need a little help getting started

[Anonymous]

I have a question. I opened an old piece of mail from LVNV and found that they had offered a $236 settlement on a $590 balance. The offer was good until earlier this year. Would it be a good idea to call them to see if I can still settle? Or should I wait a little to see if they send a sweeter offer? My Nextel settlement went from $600 to $100, so maybe they will offer something better. Would I open the opportunity for them to pursue me for the full balance if they don't want to deal?

[diveforfun97]

I had a LVNV collection,  I paid it in full and then after I saw it report I sent a DV then disputed it.....came right off.  However, I think that they would do a PFD considering the time on the account.  Just food for thought....let me know how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I just don't want to open a can of worms and have them demand full payment. I would like to settle the account for a lesser amount so that it shows paid. I am in a shortsale transaction for a condo, and the bank wants to see either a payment plan in place or a "paid" status on the accounts. I'm almost there as I paid 3 already. Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

So I settled with AFNI for $100 on a $1412 debt. Yesterday they reported and my credit score rose 7 points. I guess paying may help a little after all. Since I am trying to buy a condo on a lease purchase, the bank just wants everything within 3 years to show paid or to have a payment arrangement. This was encouraging however.

[Anonymous]

Wow that is impressive 100 paid for a 1400 balance that is great!

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I was a little surprised at the offer. Considering it was getting a little older, maybe they just figured they could clear the file and collect a little. Considering it was Nextel originally, much of the $1400 was for termination fees and whatever else they wantd to throw in. Makes me wonder what they purhcased the debt for. Must have been pennies. Maybe they just broke even. It is encouraging though. With the bad economy, they are fortunate to get an money at this point.