Just paint, or would you add a new front porch and or windows? Do you agree the tree is a problem?

This looks more like a ranch to me. Yes the tree is too close to the house.

Remove the front tree to start. Suggest that you add landscaping (plants and path) to direct the eye to the front door. I would also consider planting a tall tree behind the house so that the house is more incorporated into its surroundings.

Remove the front tree first, then add landscaping - large, curved beds with mixtures of heights, textures, colors. The internet is full of images that you can use for inspiration. Then re-assess.

Thank you to everyone for their advice. Do you think that I should paint the garage doors or add window boxes? As soon as it warms up enough, I am going to repaint the parging under the siding. I was thinking of painting it a cement grey colour.

The bigger problem is that we are trying to get the house on the market in the next month or so, thus it is hard to do any type of gardening.

The tree is too close to the house in terms of foundation damage or falling on the house. At a minimum, get it limbed up so buyers can see the front door.

Remove the shutters, which are way too small. Make sure you power wash the front steps and add seasonal color like potted tulips.

Depending on where you live, you can get some annuals to add color to the foundation and walkway. The tree may be a huge deal to some buyers. What has your realtor said? Does the exterior look neglected? If so, you need to paint it. You’re trying to sell it, so make sure it’s pristine clean inside and out.

Thank you,

We have a company called Shack Shine and they will make the exterior look pristine. The siding is only five years old, so it should wash up really well.

I am wondering if there is too much white? There is a front door and mudroom door. I was wondering if I should paint them black? Also, I was thinking about adding flower window boxes. I am not sure if these should be white or black?

Don’t remove the tree unless the tree is planted too close to the house and interferes with your plumbing. Just remove a low branch or two if they block a window. If you have unplanted bedding along the house, you could add some sturdy flowering plants which do well in your zone….but use gallon size plants so they won’t be too small.

That looks like a pine, which tends to loose limbs in storms. I would take if down.

It's a super cute house! What does your realtor suggest you do?

Thank you for the great ideas! Putting the chairs under the tree is a brilliant thought! I was wondering do you think that I should put white or black window boxes? We live in Ontario near Toronto Canada, what shrubs would you recommend? Should I change out the porch handrail to something white? I have added a few more pictures:)

I’d vote for white window boxes. I also think a rich navy blue door is better than black. It’s a friendlier color. Some people might get turned off by a black front door.
And yes, white for the entry railing would look nice.

The tree too close to the would have me figuring in the removal cost in any offer I made. Just like a roof that needs replacing. It would also have me paying close attention to the foundation.

Build a large deck off of the entry that surrounds the tree and then place chairs under it.

Thank you for the later photos, which help. This is a plea to ANYONE posting indoor or outdoor photos to show closeups and distance photos IMMEDIATELY (or in the case of indoor space, photos from all four walls). Otherwise Commentors wind up having to respond to changing photos.

The new photo make the house look like light sage or gray. Which is it? I thought gray, which is why I suggested bright yellow door and chairs to direct attention to the entry. If it's sage, then a tomato red or dark red would brighten the entry. What color is your roof.

Those skimpy shutters should come off when you install white window boxes. I'm not sure about whether you should paint the garage doors. Usually sage houses, trim and garages are the same color or a golden taupe. In any case, paint the foundation to match siding. With the shutters off, new door (including full-length storm door to showcase painted door), the house will look more open without shutters.

Gray.

Yes, your entry porch should be changed out--poured concrete and walkway stone to connect the two and white railing.

i thought the front door was next to the garage...yes the real one is hiding. ;)

For all the reasons others have mentioned, along with your own safety, please take down the tree. If it ever comes down in a storm on your home, curb appeal will be a moot point.
I had a large one taken down by professional arborists in 2015 which cost $800 Canadian. I imagine it would be more expensive now, but gives you an approximation of the cost.