Update to add:

I've moved the play equipment to our large garden area since these photos were taken.

The first things to jump out at me are:

Windows. I see 4 windows, all different sizes, shapes and heights.

Brick facing. It stops short of reaching the left corner of the house.

Neither of these are quick nor cheap fixes.

Arg! Edited to add - I meant my OTHER left (my right) for the brick facing.

Yes, both eyesores that drive me up the wall. Were the brick stops, used to be a door for fire safety, when my husband's great-grandfather built the house. My husband and I have both agreed not to take on anything really expensive because of the fact that we plan to demolish the house in the next few years. So I'm stuck with those things, unfortunately.

I understand your position for sure. No reason to spend $$$$ now.

I have found that keeping the amount of “stuff” down helps with curb appeal. Visual clutter can be unattractive. Clean, clear and open is good.

I appreciate that. I definitely need to minimize more. My gardening stuff doesn't add to the appeal. 🙊 I can definitely improve there. I appreciate you your input!

Thank you for the input! Those are completely doable ideas, most of which I plan to use, so I really appreciate your thoughts!

I agree that you shouldn't spend much money on it now. I also agree with removing clutter and adding large potted plants beneath the far right window. I also notice that your table & chairs are near the AC & utility box. I'd want to hide both of those and improve the comfort level for seating. I did a search and found this site that shows several very easy ideas for hiding something like that: 13 ways to hide outdoor eyesores

I would do everything gakate advocates and then: paint all of the brick white, paint all of the window trim and the front door black, move the air conditioner to a window that's not at the front of the house, and paint all of the gas? pipes on the front of the house white, as well. Paint is your friend. Cheap and fast. A window box for flowers hung under the "doorway" window filled with geraniums and vinca vine. Plant the same in the brick planter. Your house could look charming!

Thank you all so much for your input! Thus far, I've gotten rid of most of the clutter (it's still a work in progress). I worked most of the day yesterday with a hammer, putty knife, and a screwdriver clearing off the epoxy and glue that held the old air conditioner in the window. My husband and I worked together after that to remove it. The front of the house looks different already. I'm shocked, honestly. I'm working on a layout for some window boxes to build. The brick, unfortunately, can't be painted. At least I don't think it can. It's heavily textured, and is starting to disintegrate in some places, so it chips off. I'll look into it, though, after I finish the more simple projects. I really appreciate all of you sharing your thoughts. It's really been insightful and a big encouragement. Thank you, again!

Would love to see photos of your hard work!