Our homes have such a personal connection to us that we're often challenged to turn them back into just plain houses when it's time for us to sell. it is always best to remove personal effects such as pictures, knickknacks, mementos, trophies, greeting cards and the like before showing a house. (BTW, a good agent will emphasize this very important fact) There is a rule of thumb that you should count every item in every room of a for-sale home and eliminate or store 50% of them.

The buyers want to imagine themselves in the house for years to come and your excess decor and whatnots only distracts from this vision. and don't get defensive about colors or design patterns or flooring that you love. It's OK to grit your teeth as you grin. Let your agent be the buffer. Remember, the customers (your buyers) are always right, unless, of course, they're low balling you!