I am trying to settle a collection. The SOL ends early next year and normally I'd just wait it out but I'm applying for a new apartment and they said any unpaid collections are grounds for being unapproved for the apartment. I even asked if paying a larger deposit was an option and the answer was absolutely not. It's a really nice, brand new complex in town and I really want to live there. I'm looking for somewhere I can stay until I save up money for a down payment on a house.
So here's the letter:
Quote
Dear Collection Agency,
I am writing to offer a settlement in full for the account listed on my credit report. Please understand that I am not claiming responsibility for said debt, I just want to pay it off and get on with my life. The account shows $584 due and I would like to offer $200. If you can accept that and agree to mark the account as paid and also agree to never sell or transfer the account, please send back a signed agreement stating as much and I will forward payment as soon as possible.
Please note that marking the account as settled or anything that would indicate that it was paid for less than the full amount is not acceptable to me. If you are willing to delete the account entirely in exchange for payment, I may be able to scrounge up a bit more money. Please send your best offer in that case. I am low on funds and have sent offer letters to other collection agencies so act fast.
Thanks,
My Name
So how good is this letter on a scale of 1-10, 1 being downright awful and 10 being perfect? Any suggestions on how to change it up? The collection is due to fall off my credit report in mid to late 2018, well before I plan on getting a mortgage. Also, I have more money and can offer more but since it's a junk debt buyer, I'd prefer to pay those jerks as little as possible. If I should offer more or less, just let me know. 