This article is about a term used in economics. For other uses, see service (disambiguation).

In economics and marketing, a service is the non-material equivalent of a good. Service provision has been defined as an economic activity that does not result in ownership, and this is what differentiates it from providing physical goods. It is claimed to be a process that creates benefits by facilitating either a change in customers, a change in their physical possessions, or a change in their intangible assets.

By supplying some level of skill, ingenuity, and experience, providers of a service participate in an economy without the restrictions of carrying stock (inventory) or the need to concern themselves with bulky raw materials. On the other hand, their investment in expertise does require marketing and upgrading in the face of competition which has equally few physical restrictions.

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NYT > Real Estate

International Real Estate: For Sale in ... Montreal
Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:15:08 -0000
A one-bedroom penthouse apartment with panoramic views of Montreal is on the market for $1,866,400.
Property Values: What You Get for ... $150,000
Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:14:53 -0000
A converted schoolhouse in Bridgewater Corners, Vt.; a two-bedroom co-op in Chicago; and a two-bedroom houseboat in Portland, Ore.
Renovating a French Mill
Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:14:47 -0000
A secluded mill has been transformed into a site for weeklong vacation packages themed around French cooking, architecture, art or bike rides through the Loire countryside.

Home mortgage rates and real estate news - CNNMoney.com

How a housing crash hurts retirees
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:29:52 -0400
You already know that the housing crisis has wreaked havoc with the economy and financial markets, not to mention the lives of millions who've lost or could lose their homes. But there may be a less obvious casualty too: your retirement prosperity.
Mortgage rates ease: Third week in a row
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:43:49 -0400
Mortgage rates declined, easing for the third straight week, according to a report from mortgage finance giant Freddie Mac.
Lush lawn - higher home value
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:12:14 -0400
Turn that yard into a fine green carpet and your whole house becomes more valuable.

Forbes.com: Real Estate News

America's Most Affordable Places to Retire
Maurna Desmond Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0000
Factors like the cost of living, jobs and access to health services make these cities tops for those in their second acts.
Where Home Prices Are Likely To Rise
Matt Woolsey Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:00:00 -0000
Recovery might be two or three years off, but in these 10 cities, homeowners can expect long-term appreciation.
America's Most Distressed Housing Markets
Matt Woolsey Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0000
In these 10 cities, homeowners are taking losses on properties and selling within a year.

RealEstateJournal.com Commercial Real Estate News

Grain Rally Fertilizes U.S Farm Prices
Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0000
The surge in demand for corn, soybean and wheat has raised Midwestern land values, but experts worry that the farmland market is a bubble waiting to burst.
Centro Properties Receives Buyout Bids
Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0000
At least five suitors -- including Citadel Investment -- are looking to buy the cash-strapped retail-property firm.
Legislation Would Give Builders a Big Break
Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0000
A bipartisan provision unveiled Wednesday by Senate leaders would allow companies to apply current losses to taxes paid four years ago, instead of the current two-year carry-back.
Traders Rally Around Home-Builder Stocks
Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0000
Investors are preparing for the housing market to level off and perhaps start to rebound.
Office Rentals Show A Decrease in Demand
Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0000
Businesses are pulling back on renting space a sign economic weakness is hitting landlords. The leasing slowdown will likely exacerbate the decline in commercial construction.
REITS Make Comeback Amid Housing Bust
Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:00 -0000
Stocks of real-estate investment trusts staged a modest rally in the first quarter, driven by strong gains by operators of apartment buildings and self-storage space.

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