Thanks for the information. I do have the money to pay it off before I sell it, but again the primary reason for wondering if I could hold off is because if I pay it off now, but buyers don't bite at a price I want, I'd rather keep it. Sounds like that's not an option, so my best option is to monitor the going rate for my phone on Swappa and take a chance if I decide to sell it.
Understand your reasoning. Maybe post on craigslist & meet the potential buyer at your closest Apple store. Can pay off in front of them & they'll know for sure they have a clean device.
Have only sold one phone on cl. Offered to meet at carrier store so the buyer could verify numbers or take care of any questions. She did none of that. Just handed me the cash & rolled out.