What kind of comments are you looking for?

The photos do not show a garage.

I can't see where the garage is. Ok I think I figured it out. The photos are taken from the street in front. I'm thinking that a wide inviting sidewalk from street to house would make your door more inviting. A patio and pergola would also look great there.

Where is the house? I'll bet the architects ideas would give your home the curb appeal you desire, but it would also change the look of architecture from ranch to traditional. Work on the landscape instead.

As it is, your home is very nice. I don't think landscaping is going to give you the changes you desire.
You seem to be aware you have a low roof pitch, wide front exposure and windows that meet the soffit; which makes the house appear flat and compressed. So you're absolutely on the right track with the changes you wish to make (additional roof line). Since you plan to be in your home for many years, I think you are making a good choice. Just be aware of over building for the neighborhood.

I was wondering about a Mid-Century Modern slant and/or just some repainting and landscaping...pics

the garage is cyrrently in the back, we would like to just move it to the front where the 2 overgrown holly trees are. I think we are wanting a more traditional looking house vs ranch. We bought low and with staying thinking we could add what a proposed new roof line/porch w/o pricing out of the neighborhood. Just want to make sure its worth our while.

Just get nervous on dropping so much money......and somethimes wonder if just landscaping, front door, lighting, more curb appeal etc could not be what we need

I do think it will be worth the while. The ROI can only be known when an architect draws the plans you want so a construction cost can be applied to that design. Seems like you're ready for that step. You've met with three so far, I hope there was one you really connected with. Good luck!

Dar's photo is a great example of how visual and not structural changes can really help. The rubber roof makes the eye move vertically and appears taller. I would invest in a structural beam that allows you to remove the posts all together. Remove the shutters, pull out evergreens, too outdated. Flagstone the walk to the house allowing for plantings of more current plants like hostas that stay contained. Trim back the tree now so it will not be larger yet when you sell in fifteen years and do a shade garden with the hostas etc there also to frame the flagstone. It also looks like you need to upgrade the driveway. I am guessing that you are planning on keeping till you retire so think about the fact that you do not want to live in your parent's style home and if the structural changes bring it up to today, they may not make the return on your investment that you hope for. You will most likely be selling to someone at least 15-20 years younger than you are now. Clean and simple, remove elements of design that date it now and do only what you want to make you happy for 15 years and save some money to update at time of sale when you know what the market and style is.

Are you moving the garage for convenience purposes or asthetics? Wondering if savings from leaving garage where it is could be spent on the facade remodel?

I know...we have thought about that Jayme...we are moving it really for convience, we never use it, we are right on our lot line and currently with it being rear entry our backyard is essentially an asphalt pad. The asphalt is in bad shape, which means we need to replace the driveway anyway, so by the time we do this if we made the drive shorter...we would almost cover the cost of moving the garage to the front. I sooo appreciate all the feedback! Keep it coming, thanks!

Well, IMO it could go either way...Update a bit, and/or a major facade overhaul...As long as you think you can recoup on resale, why not go for it?

Love the long contemporary lines of your ranch but they are being obscured by the landscape. Removing the overgrown shrubs/trees and installing a contemporary landscape would add a lot of appeal . Don't think I would change the roof lines , just the roof if it needs replacing. Here's my favorite ranch of all time -perhaps you can borrow some ideas from it . If you're just going to be there for 15 years I wouldn't spend a lot on the rehab . You might want to think of just some paint and upgrades on windows, etc. Here's a great color scheme :

I agree with replacing the wrought iron with round Tuscan columns. If you're ready for a paint job on the exterior, I'd consider a pale shade of another color so the white columns stand out more. Good luck!

I soo appreciate the feedback. In the end I think I'm thinking of more of a tradition portico incorporating a newer roof life line w cleaner square white columns. Love the flag stone walkway idea, especially from street to house. Thinking of a darker color more like grant street beige, Benjamin
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Good plan. But if you want a traditional portico, I would still advise the simple round tuscan columns. Post pics when you make the change!

I like a lot of the thoughts above, but I'd start smaller since you're hesitating. Yes, replace the wrought iron with columns for sure. I think you should start by removing shutters and window boxes, take out the plants you know you will not keep. That will really give you a better idea of the visual look to give you a jumping off point. The idea of darker paint so the white trim will pop. I think you could do square columns. By all means, DON'T use round fluted! Some black or dark shade in the same family as the brick color used as small accents, maybe around windows, would give more dimension. I like the picture Dar posted, but you don't have to open up the windows to the street so much. Does your roof need replacing yet? If not save that for when it's required. When changing the garage to a front entry, how about adding 4 or 5 feet to the front of the house. That could be a gable facing the street, and give you more room in the back, even if just for storage. Everyone could use more storage!