What should Bob have done before inserting a time into his client's offer?

Before inserting a time into his client's offer, Bob should have consulted with his client. The rationale behind this is that including a specific time in an offer is a critical decision that directly affects the nature of the negotiation and the client's interests. The client may have preferences or considerations regarding deadlines for acceptance or response that Bob needs to take into account.

This consultation ensures that Bob is acting in the best interest of his client and aligns the offer with the client's expectations and strategies. It allows for open communication, where the client can express any concerns or preferences they have regarding the timing of the offer, leading to a more informed and collaboratively prepared offer.

Inserting a time without the client's input could misrepresent their intentions or priorities, which could have negative implications for negotiations. Additionally, leaving the time blank or submitting the offer with no time noted could lead to ambiguities that might complicate the transaction process. Referring to another agent for advice might not directly address the client's needs and could delay the process, whereas direct communication with the client is essential for effective representation.