Context is key. Post up a few pics.

Sorry, thought I had posted the picture.

I like the brown of the upper door. I would use a solid stain/sealer on the lattice to tone down the water marks. Semi-transparent elsewhere and maybe the big columns.

I think a charcoal gray would look wonderful with your stonework and logs. Look at Benjamin Moore Woodluxe in Kendall Charcoal.

I like your second photo, very attractive and will appeal to more prospective buyers. Let them decide themselves if they want the dramatic charcoal look.

I think the exterior is busy already so I would not do a contrast for railings to add to that. Just all one color,

Thank you all for commenting. For some reason, I couldn't type when using my tablet. I like the charcoal color but in this picture it's too dark and husband does not like and I don't want to argue. Ha. I thought the darker balusters would provide contrast (as in wrought iron balusters) but I agree the exterior is quite busy especially with the stone. I am moving on to working in some preliminary landscape elements so maybe that will show me the way to go.

Pricing your house properly is more important than the color of the rails. If this will be an unnecessary expense, don’t do it. Spend money on gorgeous landscaping and a freshly painted, de-cluttered interior.

Interesting comment RedRyder. We do not plan to stay in this house for more than 2 yrs and not looking for another project. But I feel the front deck needs to be re-stained- multiple stains and some maintenance issues. I was hoping to add a little pizazz, since I need to do the work anyway. I totally agree with the landscaping and have been working on that in other areas. Gotta be careful though, we, like most in the area are on water haul and folks often see landscape as wasting water. We have setup rain collection barrels under the down spouts and trying to incorporate that into the landscape. Now, we pray for rain, muich like the rest of the West. <Sigh>

The only issue I see needing a new coat are the water stains. The rest is cosmetic. I would not go dark on a deck surface due to heat build up. Buyers will appreciate a freshly stained deck.

I understand about your landscaping. We are in the California hill country, it's all about wildfire clearance. No buyer is looking for a lush landscape around the house.

That being said, a dry creekbed of river rock and some strategically placed boulders and native plants and stepping stones creates a gorgeous landscape.