What should I do on this (possible) final counter offer?

[Will Gaston]

All:

Been back and forth with an agent and we're allegedly at the final offer from the seller after we've gone back and forth a few rounds. They are okay with either of the two suggestions below.

I pay cash:

Purchase Price: $121,000

Earnest Money: $2,000

Close on January 31st

I get a loan:

Purchase Price: $127,500

Earnest Money: $6,000

Close on February 28th

I'd rather not pay cash for the property for liquidity reasons but a $6,500 discount is very, very attractive. I am 100% confident on my ability to get a loan and close. The seller does not have an immediate financial need but my belief is that he wants higher earnest money only for the sake of peace of mind.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how I could get the seller comfortable with the lower price and the later closing date so I can get the loan? Raising my earnest money seems like the most obvious choice.