How Long does it take to have a collection account removed from your credit report once its been paid?

According to everything I have been reading, the collection can stay on your credit report for 7 years from the date of the original default of payment. I have understood that to mean that if your account was trnsferred from a creditor to a collection agency, the date of default cannot be updated along with it. I also understand that there is an opportunity to negotiate with the collector to make a certain settlement payment as long as they are willing to remove all negative information related to this account from your report. After all, they are buying the debt under the assumption that they can make some money on it, so showing a willingness to pay has to get their attention. Make sure you get this writing if they agree to it, however keep in mind that they do not have to agree to your request. It will remain on the credit report for the required seven years but will (should) be noted as "paid or settled".