Excellent Debt Settlement Terms Secured Through Your Settlement Letter

Not many people understand either the significance of securing a debt settlement agreement with a major creditor, or what it takes to get one. These matters are not agreed through a friendly phone call. It takes a certain amount of effort to convince a creditor they are never going to receive all monies owed to them.The whole process starts with a letter written to the creditor to explain that a deal needs to be made. But in order to send an effective debt settlement letter, it is necessary to plan the contents and the terms offered. Basically, there are certain things that must be included, and certain actions that must be done to prepare the way.There are clear advantages to using a debt settlement program to clear a debt. For a start, only a percentage of the actual debt is paid, thus lifting the financial pressure at a fraction of the cost. But there is also the matter of regaining credit status after 24 months, as opposed to 120 months by opting for bankruptcy.What Needs to be Included?Taking the time to construct your letter to a creditor when seeking a debt settlement agreement is well worth the effort. But what actually needs to be included?Other than the basic information, like your own contact details and date, there are certain things that need to be included in the letter. Be sure to display your account number with them very clearly, otherwise they will not know what debt a settlement is being requested for.   An effective debt settlement letter has an honest and straightforward tone. Do not beat around the bush about why the full debt is unpayable, and lay down clearly why these reasons are unavoidable. However, be sure to make them understand a debt settlement program is what is being sought by making an offer to them.What Needs To Be DoneOf course, there are certain factors that need to be taken care of before seeking a debt settlement. It is important to verify the debt, which can be done by asking for confirmation from the creditor, and any supporting documentation if necessary.Once this figure is confirmed, then it is possible to make an accurate assessment of how much of the debt can be paid off. Remember, an effective debt settlement letter needs to be straightforward regarding terms the debtor is able to afford.Finally, when negotiations start, creditors like to play hardball. For this reason, it is important to be fully aware of your rights. Sometimes, it might seem that a great debt settlement program has been sealed, but in fact the creditor has taken advantage. A credit counselor can explain your legal rights in detail, and in simple terms.After the Deal is DoneWhen a debt settlement has been agreed, it is still important to stay on top of matters. This is down to the legal aspects involved, which is obviously very important. Also, when it is cleared, notify the credit bureau and request that your score be adjusted.Typically, the agreement is to repay a percentage of the total debt in one go, in which case it is important to request a letter of settlement confirming the debt has been repaid in full. If the debt settlement program is based on installments, with each installment paid secure a receipt.Writing an effective debt settlement letter helps to secure the best possible terms for a settlement program, and set the debtor off on the right foot. So, take the time to write the best possible, and leave nothing out.