michelle asked:


I would like to purchase my first home within the next 9 months. I have saved for the down payment and have increased my credit score to 654 with new accounts that I always pay on time and I never carry a balance on my cards. However I have 8 accounts that are about 5 years old that have all been charged off. Combined the charged off accounts total around $2000. I have read that paying these now will damage my credit score. So if I don’t pay them is it still likely for me to get a mortgage loan? Any advice on what my choices are?

Howard