I would think that the best things you could do it to:

change the pillars on the front porch to something that ties in with the house and opens up your porch a bit more (Whatever that might be that suits your needs best)

whitewash the brick and give it that light, coastal/cottage look

change the siding to an olive green or white color, or you maybe can even keep the brown, just lighten it up

then change the shutters to either that olive green or light brown, depending on what color you chose for you siding. for example if you have a white or light brown color for the siding, I would choose the green shutters, but if you have the green on the siding, then the light brown color is the best way to go.

these would probably be the best inparation pictures I could find off google, you could find the things you most like off of them and combine for your dream home

You could paint the brick, but it would be expensive. I'd paint the brown siding a sandy cream, do the shutters and door in a muted teal/turquoise shade and update the landscaping. I'd have a lot of grasses, for that beachy feel.

You may be able to leave the brick untouched and augment trim and shutters to this coastal look.

Wow, thanks for these suggestions- all of you helped me visualize exactly what I’d like to achieve- we are making an offer in the morning! Thanks again

I'm so glad you are getting the house! I hope you get your dream home to look exactly how you want it.

It would look awesome if you painted the brick white!

Did they accept your offer? I hope so.

Hi, nice house! I can see why you want to change the exterior. I would also suggest a white-wash or lighening of the brick color palette, and then add some contrast in some of the smaller details. You have a great canvas to work with!

Personally I love how your exterior looks as is. I hope they accepted your offer! If so you'll have to post photos as you change things! :)