Daniel Oppenheim, an analyst with Banc of America Securities, said he's seen freebies worth up to 5 percent of a sales price.

That includes kitchen upgrades, interest rate locks and coverage of closing costs or mortgage payments.

There are more than twice the number of homes for sale this year than last.

So deals, like a $40,000 break on a $500,000 American University dorm turned condo, are becoming popular.

Kenneth Wenhold of MetroStudy, a real estate research company, said the incentives began shortly after new construction interest dropped 30 percent this year.

Some companies have opted for those unrelated to housing, like free 42-inch TVs and golf memberships.

Others, like six months of heat, free finished basements or $5,000 for window coverings, go with the house.