Real estate company is a business that deals with the purchasing, renting and selling of real estate. Real estate companies include those who rent properties to tenants, as well as those who buy and sell homes themselves. Real estate companies often have a wide range of skills and expertise, which can be used in many areas of real estate. For example, some real estate companies specialize in the finance side of the industry, while others focus on marketing and sales. Some companies offer both services. Real estate agents are often hired when people want to purchase or sell property. These agents may also handle other aspects of their clients' lives such as insurance, taxes and repairs if needed. Real estate can be divided into three categories: residential, commercial and industrial. Residential real estate includes apartments, homes, condos and townhouses. Commercial real estate includes office buildings, shopping centers and hotels. Industrial real estate is any facility that houses businesses, such as factories and warehouses. Real estate is one of the most widely traded and widely diversified financial assets and has been a major component of global investment portfolios for over a century. The real estate sector is also known for its volatility and high correlation to economic growth.