Private Parking Collections Item

[ghost__]

My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Washington

Hello-

Over two years ago, I let a friend borrow my car and he got a parking ticket at a private lot (Diamond Parking, I believe). I mistakenly trusted him to pay off the ticket and he did not -- which resulted in the ticket going to collections - I believe the amount was for $125. Once I got the collections I notice I paid the notice as it was in my name (because it was my car). Shortly after paying the ticket I noticed that it had shown up on my credit score as a "Paid Collection" item.

This is literally the only negative thing on my credit report and I'm looking to buy a home in the next 6-8 months so I would like to get this removed as soon as possible. I pay for a legal service through my employer but since this is a "small claims" item it isn't covered through that plan. Obviously searching for anything related to collections using a search engine yields a number of highly questionable results... Does anyone here happen to know what my courses of action are for getting this removed from my credit history? Can I request that the company remove it out of "good faith" since I paid the amount? Should I dispute it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[lurkertom]

A letter of explanation to any potential lender with questions about it should suffice. Most look for patterns of non-payment. Getting it removed will be more difficult.