Thinking of selling but can't afford to outlay the thousands of dollars needed to spruce your place up before inspection? A new digital technology could be the answer.

It's long been known in the real estate world, that when selling homes, peddling a 'dream' is often as important as price or location. That's why many vendors are shelling out thousands of dollars for expensive designer furniture hire packages to get potential buyers over the line.

But in a flat or declining property market, spending money to make money isn't always guaranteed. So when I heard about a new digital technology which allows vendors to add 'virtual furniture' to their space for sale, I had to find out more.

Agents such as L.J Hooker and McGrath are reportedly hiring computer experts to modify images of otherwise bare houses to boost sales. A designer is given a brief and the client can help to select items with anything from a flatscreen TV and designer lounge to artwork and even plants added from about $50 per image. By law, it must be stated if an image has been digitally altered.

But it's not without flaws - some buyers arrive to inspect the property to find it's not at all what was advertised. Yet, given that one of the greatest challenges is to get potential buyers through the door, this new money-saving tool could be just the key that gives your property an edge over its competition.

You could use the extra savings to buy the 'real deal' furniture for your new home!