Of course, the odds of having a client need the space for which the carrots are being dangled are slim to none, which always has people questioning the tradition. Still, things like free rent and big tenant improvement dollars sound better to owners than advertising rental rates not in line with the lender's expectations.

Tom Becic, a broker with Melvin Mark Cos. is marketing the Banfield Plaza office building at 80th and Northeast Halsey Street. The owner is putting up an extra 2.5% commission in hopes that a full 5% fee might attract more brokers to the site. "The goal is to generate activity," says Becic, who in times like these doesn't shy away from too many potential opportunities. "When times are slow, it's a nice filler and relationship builder."

"We kind of do anything we can," adds Brett Irons, a broker with Coldwell Banker Commercial in Vancouver, WA. "Retail has held pretty well up here," says Irons, "but there is considerable vacancy in the office market." On behalf of the owner, Irons is marketing high tech class A office space adjacent the Royal Oaks Country Club at $16 per sf, triple net, but the carrot is no rent escalations for five years.