Due to the lack of a single standard, various versions of the bidding logbook emerged in practice, leading to confusion for the consumer. Therefore, various agreements have been made in the NTA regarding the minimum requirements for the bidding process, the participants, and the reporting format for the bidding logbook. The NTA ensures that there are no longer any differences in the bidding process for buyers and sellers, regardless of the real estate agent or the bidding logbook provider. When a property is definitively sold, all bidders receive the bidding logbook to gain insight into the submitted bids.
Fair purchasing process
The new standard is part of the Improvement Plan Trust in the Purchasing Process, which started in 2022. The evaluation of this plan by research agency RIGO shows that progress has been made in the sector. For example, a central reporting point for complaints has been established and cross-industry disciplinary law has been set up. The codes of conduct have also been better brought to the attention of real estate agents, and the online bidding logbook is mandatory for all industry organizations.
The evaluation shows that there is further gain to be made in the bidding process and the compliance with agreements by individual real estate agents. Bidders for a property do not always receive the bidding logbook, and bids are sometimes communicated too late to sellers. Industry organizations do not always address their members on this.
The NVM, as well as NVM subsidiary and software provider Realworks, have indicated that they do not currently support the standard. The minister is therefore engaging with the sector about further improvements in the purchasing process and how the use of the new standard for the bidding logbook can be promoted. The minister also wants to gain better insight into the position of non-affiliated real estate agents and how they can also be required to adhere to the same standard.