SATO FAMILY / UNDERSTANDING NEEDS
Clarify first. Then prepare the proposal.
Red flags 2To confirm 3Confirmed 1
Red flag: a concern expressed by the client. To confirm: missing or outdated information. Neither means the opportunity is lost.
Budget & monthly commitment
Red flag
The client says a higher monthly commitment would be difficult.
Evidence and a question to ask
- Example evidence
- Meeting note 18:20: “It would be difficult to increase our monthly commitments.”
- Next question
- How much would you like to keep available each month for your daily life?
Decision-makers & family agreement
Red flag
The partner who shares the decision is not yet comfortable.
Evidence and a question to ask
- Example evidence
- Meeting note 22:10: “My wife and I decide together, but she isn’t comfortable yet.”
- Next question
- What is your partner most concerned about?
Timing & decision criteria
To confirm
The target date and comparison criteria have not been confirmed.
Evidence and a question to ask
- Example evidence
- Meeting record: no entry for the home purchase date or comparison criteria.
- Next question
- By when would you like to decide, and what would you need to know?
Engagement & stalled progress
To confirm
No further conversation is recorded after the last meeting.
Evidence and a question to ask
- Example evidence
- Activity history: no contact logged since the last meeting. Actual contact needs checking.
- Next question
- Has anything changed since we last spoke?
Next action, owner & due date
To confirm
“Follow up later” has no assigned owner or date.
Evidence and a question to ask
- Example evidence
- Next-action record: no owner or due date entered.
- Next question
- Who should we contact, when, and by which method?
Client needs
Confirmed
Wants to plan for housing and education together.
Evidence and a question to ask
- Example evidence
- Meeting note 12:40: “I want to plan for a home and education together.”
- Next question
- Which goal would you like to prepare for first?
PROPOSED NEXT ACTION / ADVISOR REVIEW NEEDED
Clarify monthly commitments and each partner’s priorities.
Owner: assigned FP. Proposed timing: by the day before the next meeting. Confirm the contact and timing with the client before scheduling.
Practice these questions on iOS ↓
Before progressing: the FP rechecks affordability, family agreement and comparison criteria, and consults a colleague or manager when needed.