Between planning overlays, comparable sales, zoning, internal measurements, and floor plans, experienced advocates like Tonya Davidson approach each purchase with precision.
“We rely heavily on data to analyze the market and align our clients’ briefs with current conditions,” Tonya said.
This data-driven and investigative approach helps buyers make rational, strategic decisions while avoid future pitfalls.
The Modern Advocate’s Toolkit
Gone are the days when a buyer’s advocate relied solely on experience and instinct. Today’s best advocates are data-informed and tech-savvy.
“We use Landchecker, for example, that does the overlays and the planning and neighbouring plans, etc. We will also use Bluebeam, which is very much a valuer’s product, to ascertain internal sizes, so that we can compare apples with apples,” Tonya explained.
Bluebeam, typically used in architecture and construction, allows advocates to extract precise room measurements from plans.
This enables Tonya to compare real internal spaces — not just advertised square metreage or the illusion created by wide-angle photography.
“I use the framework of CoreLogic, but I choose the comparables and drill down.”
That means reviewing every recent sale in the area, assessing which are genuinely similar in layout and orientation, and adjusting for renovations or street appeal.
This hands-on, critical approach protects buyers from being misled by vague or inflated price guides.
It also helps ensure the purchase is in line with market reality.
Apples to Apples: Controlling the Variables
Real estate listings can often feel like comparing oranges to lemons.
“We want to compare apples with apples. That’s why we use Bluebeam to ascertain internal sizes,” Tonya said.
By controlling for floor space, location, zoning, and overlay differences, she helps her clients understand the true value of a property — rather than relying on emotion or agent commentary.
This due diligence means Tonya can confidently advise clients to proceed — or walk away.
Spotting the Red Flags Before Inspection
This data-first approach also acts as a filter to save time and avoid wasted inspections.
“We can eliminate unsuitable properties before going to inspection. We’ve already looked at the overlays. We’ve already spoken to the agent. We’ve already seen the sales history. We already know what’s wrong with it,” Tonya said.
Buyers who spend time chasing listings with poor fundamentals risk losing both time and money.
Davidson Property Advocates’ model ensures that only the best-fit properties — both in lifestyle and price — make it to her clients’ shortlist.
“What do they need? What are their pain points? What’s going to solve those problems?”
Once those needs are articulated, the data can be used to locate the best possible fit — without distraction or deviation.
