What parts are in the motor? Steel crank?, what is the CR?, what camshaft?, what do you have in it for rocker arms?
C'mon dude.....free up with some information.....

You are not going to sell a boat in September for full price, even though I think you are fair....You need to "Sell it" more....
What motor mounts?
Battery?
Alternator?
Ignition system?
I would be willing to do $6000 without the above info, but that would be my highest offer.....

Work on your ad like a resume. Sell it harder and I bet it magically goes away.

It is only going to get harder to sell.
GT
One more thing..... Forgive me for saying so, but how sure are you that the $8500 will save the house? are you sure you wont just be buying another 5 months?
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I just went through all this bullshit and know a few things now that had me worried before.....
Good luck with the sale bro, sorry for your troubles.