Need Real Estate Advice, plllleeaase!

I am posting this because I know many people who hang here are fantastic at real estate, and have done their fair share of work to get there. I have a situation that I need some help with and any advice would be appreciated.

Well, I'm born and raised in Brooklyn. Met a boy from the 'burbs (Staten Island) and moved him out here. He works in Si though and after a year here has declared it is not only too pricey for him to continue, but too far of a ride to work, and just not his cup of tea. He's used to more space, and extra grass between your toes right outside your door. So I did the good GF thing and just researched some places in SI- I mean, I had been thinking of a bigger place regardless so what's the harm of looking?

Then I found it! Tucked in the middle of SI, so no one can see it, a townhouse whose owner has done hundreds of thousands of dollars of work and turned it into a gorgeous cornicopia of home! Solid, thick mahogany stairs, vintage wood floors, pocket doors, a beautiful deck with carved wood spindles, and a yard. Four bedrooms, a seperate living, dining and family room. Garage. Driveway. Gated community with super low monthly charges. If I'm going to the 'burbs, I want to feel like I at least have a home- not a white box like most Si townhouses.

Here's the problem. I have to sell a family owned property before I can put any thing down on this place. As the market is a lil soft I am having some trouble. So I offered the owner a contingency with a price about $20k below what he is asking. He has been on the market since June of 2005 and has had no activity and has lowered his price twice. Since all other units in that community are going for about $70k less than what he's asking I thought ths was a fair deal. I know he put in a lot of work but it's not the same market anymore and he hasn't had any activity whatsoever on his unit!

However, he said he would only accept a contingency at full price. To be honest, not only can I not afford the full price, but for that amount I can get something super nice in the damn city.

So, does anyone have any bargaining secrets to help me get this house? I'm a condo maven, but houses I'm not so sure about. Any tips would be great.