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LIHUE, Hawaii (May 24, 2010) – Starting today, the Best of Hawaii Real Estate website will be releasing a series of updates designed specifically for people who are considering a move to Hawaii.

Harnessing a considerable statewide professional network, the expansion compiles interviews, research and internal resources to create a unique, from-the-source perspective.

“The relationships we have around the state give us unprecedented access in to the rhythm of life in Hawaii,” said company spokesperson Nick Ellenburg. “The entire update stems from a simple question we asked an assorted group of locals and long-time Hawaii residents: What’s your favorite part of living here?”

The update, dubbed the “Top 5 things to consider”, is available on the Best of Hawaii Real Estate website (http://bestofhawaiirealestate.com). The sections can be found in the site’s dropdown menu for each separate island located at the top of the site.

Each page features a numbered list of the island’s five most important things to consider for new Hawaii residents, as well as a series of pictures, statistics and interesting factoids. The section has been designated for expansion in the near future.

In addition, keep an eye on the “Information Center” for more new and helpful information. Next up will be “Hawaii Employment Options”, a detailed and to-the-point overview of how you can expect to be received by Hawaii’s job market.

The Best of Hawaii Real Estate website is an officially licensed user of RE-Direct Agent Matching software, designed and implemented by The Portal Tree, LLC, a software development company specializing in real estate referral networking. The website’s Agent Matching service allows consumers to discover the best Hawaii real estate agent for their needs. This service is provided free of charge to the consumer and without any obligations.

Best of Hawaii Real Estate’s “Top 5 things to consider” section we announced earlier in the month is coming along nicely.

As of today, the Big Island (split into Hilo and Kona sides) Oahu, Kauai and Molokai are all up and running, with Maui and Lanai due to be released in the next couple of days. Every one of these sections has been designed with you in mind based on interviews with long-time residents and locals of each individual island. We hope the feature will give you an inside glimpse at day-to-day life in the islands, ultimately making your Hawaii real estate decision as informed as possible.

And while you’re on the site, keep an eye on the Information Center for more new and helpful information. Next up will be “Jobs in Hawaii”, a detailed and to-the-point overview of how you can expect to be received by Hawaii’s job market.

So head on over; we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the data we’ve gathered.

Starting today

Best of Hawaii Real Estate will be rolling out a new informational “Top 5″ section for each Hawaiian island, one island at at time. The feature is designed as a resource to give prospective Hawaii real estate buyers a local’s perspective of what makes each island unique.

To give the articles an accurate and original voice, we’re basing all the content on a simple question we’ve asked locals and long-time residents of each island: What is your favorite part of living here?

So head over to http://bestofhawaiirealestate.com and check it out. We hope you find their answers helpful, insightful and entertaining.

LIHUE, Hawaii – The Portal Tree, LLC, a software development company specializing in real estate referral networking, today announced the launch of BestOfHawaiiRealEstate.com (http://bestofhawaiirealestate.com), a website designed to give Hawaii customers free access to its proprietary Realtor matching technology. The announcement marks the first major phase of the system’s consumer release since its nationwide launch was announced by the company in January.

The BestOfHawaiiRealEstate.com website includes a number of features to help consumers in their real estate search:

•   Realtor matching technology. The system has been developed from the ground up as a free online service to instantly match the consumer with a pre-screened Realtor depending on specific consumer needs.

•   Scenic virtual tour. The website introduces a new virtual tour system that highlights beaches, cultural and religious centers, wilderness areas and parks, shopping locations and other major attractions for each Hawaiian island. The system includes panoramic views, available facilities, suggested activities and health and safety advisories for each individual attraction.

•   Lifestyle and culture. Featured on the website are informative sections detailing the unique and notable aspects of each island’s lifestyle, culture and demographics.

With a goal of being the premier Realtor matching and industry information web portal in Hawaii, BestOfHawaiiRealEstate.com will be unveiling its “Information Center” to feature helpful information targeted at new or potential Hawaii residents. Additional features will be continuously appearing on the site in upcoming weeks.

The BestOfHawaiiRealEstate.com website was designed and implemented by The Portal Tree, LLC, a software development company specializing in real estate referral networking. All revenue from this website is generated through its relationships with the Best of Hawaii’s real estate agents and brokers as well as third party advertisers. The website’s Realtor matching service is provided free of charge to the consumer and without any obligations.

Take The First Step Toward Your Dreams Today!

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) expands on the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit:

Extended deadline

To qualify for benefits, home buyers must have entered into a purchase contract by April 30, 2010. Once this provision is met, home buyers have until June 30, 2010 to close the deal.

Expanded sphere of benefits

While those making a first time home purchase still qualify for the $8,000, repeat home buyers are now eligible to claim a $6,500 tax credit on home purchases up to $800,000. This affects an enormous range of individual circumstances, including those of you looking to upgrade, downsize, relocate for any reason or simply make a smart investment. Additionally, the tax credit is redeemable for the construction of a new home.

Relaxed income requirements

To qualify for the full amount, individuals must make no more than $125,000 annually, couples up to $225,000 combined. Individuals and couples who make up to $20,000 over the limits will still qualify for partial benefits measured on a progressively declining scale. These numbers nearly double that of last year’s First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit and affect all eligible home purchases between November 7, 2009 and the April 30, 2010 deadline.

Your REALTOR® can help you take advantage of the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Real estate is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make.

What are you waiting for?

For further information regarding the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, we recommend:

•The National Association of Realtors

•IRS News Release

•National Association of Home Builders’ Informational Site