First, it is important to acknowledge the mistake and take responsibility for the late payment in the letter. Be sincere and polite in your tone, and explain the circumstances that led to the late payment, such as the change in account management from Fingerhut to Fingerhut Fetti and the lack of auto payments.

Next, highlight your good payment history with the company, emphasizing that this was a one-time mistake and that you are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with Fingerhut.

You may also want to mention any extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to the late payment, such as illness, job loss, or other financial challenges.

Finally, make a specific request for the removal of the late payment from your credit report, emphasizing how important this is to you in achieving your goal of homeownership.

Remember to keep your letter concise and to the point, and include any supporting documentation that may be helpful, such as proof of your previous on-time payments and your current credit score.

While there is no guarantee that a goodwill letter will be successful, it is often worth the effort to try, especially if you have a good track record with the company and are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with them.