Build you own white trellis over the garage door and front house windows. Then 2 large pots with tree in front of garage door.

You have a lovely house! Keep garage doors and shutters as is, they look great. Painting trim is too much of a fussy job, if you paint the door to match your shutters and garage, as well as get light fixtures in a bronze finish it will all come together. As stated, the hoop has got to go! If you like your tree, prune it and get some bright colored red mulch put down around it. Get some pots and plant topiary (spiral or 3 ball shaped) plants, they're a little pricey but are worth it, use them to highlight the garage columns. Get a bright welcoming rug out front and bam for under a few hundred dollars you'll have great curb appeal!

First, you have too many colors: door color, shutter color, garage doors color. Second, all colors are dark, you need to lighten the shutter and door colors, the garage color can be the same as the house. Also, the basketball hoop does nothing for curb appeal--put that in the backyard. And you must put some decent small bushes under the front windows. I'd add an overhang at the front door. Color pallets at the paint store help--they show what colors can be "safely" grouped together.

Don t get rid of the hoop come on people. Why not keep it simple. Paint the front door same color as garage doors. Try to match the right side (extension) with the left. Don t touch anything on the left side, it looks great. Regarding lndscaping, I agree fully with landscaper above.

Try putting big flower pot on right side that would also be same brown as the garage doors.

Plant some low-growing flowering shrubs under the front window. Three would do it.

Paint your garage doors AND the surrounding trim the same colour as your house or slightly darker. Spray paint your light fixtures black or black/brown. Shutters are supposed to be wide enough to look like they would actually cover the window for balance. You do need shrubs under your window, a row of boxwood with one type of annual in front or a low ornamental grass. Keep the greenery simple. Lose the one pot, don't crowd your front door. A large urn between the garage doors with one type of a trailing plant would look great. Is that a glass door over your front door? I was going to say to paint your front door and the surrounding trim or glass door trim the same color, but not yellow. Maybe a brown almost black or dark barn red.

wow, not to be mean, but this is an ugly house. It's more about the design than the colors. What everyone seems to agree on is that the facade is boring and there is just too much garage door! I love the taupe color and it works with white or black trim. Cranberry front door is a nice suggestion. For my two cents, I'd see about getting the top panels of the garage doors changed out for windows and as suggested add window boxes to the two upper windows to draw your eye up and away from the damn garage doors! The lights on the garage and front door are awful and need to be changed for no only something in black or stainless steel, but they need to be the right scale! The ones you have are too small. Putting a planter between the doors with a conifer or something else helps break up that slab of garage doors. You have had several suggestions on color but if it were my call, after I replaced the top sections with windows I would have someone faux paint them and the front door to look like Mahogany. Solid wood doors look rich and they are not expensive to do. From the street you can't tell. I've attached and photo of my place in Florida that is a similar color.

That's not mean at all jeff_the_chef. Telling me my home is ugly. You are an idiot! I don't need your advice. The hoop is cemented in the ground. It's a family neighborhood and everyone has one. Of course it takes away from the curb appeal and it's on that side bcs the sun sets in your face when playing on the other side of driveway. I appreciate all the HELPFUL feedback. Thank you to those who understand what a tight budget is.

??? Not sure why you are upset. I wasn't trying to be mean just giving HONEST feedback. You want to know what everyday people will think when they first see your house right? Well that's what I thought. Don't be mad, you obviously realize it needs help which is why you reached out for suggestions. You can use any or all of the ideas as your budget and skills allow. You didn't say what money you have had to work with. To me $10k would be a tight budget and you can get all I suggested for half that.

PS: Have no idea what the thing about the hoop was? I didn't say anything about a hoop, that was someone else.

I don't think Jeff is being mean. I think he's being honest. Window boxes with geraniums and vinca vine will transform your house. And they survive in spite of your lack of a green thumb. Any plantings you can put in under the windows on the first floor also will enhance it. The garage doors are so prominent in the front of your house that focusing on them is a good idea. If you can add windows or replace the doors with ones with windows that will make the house more attractive because you will not be looking at Big walls of garage. I don't object to the basketball hoop. I don't think that detracts at all. Black shutters and a black front door. Garage painted black or same as house.

I would like to suggest planting hostas lining your curved front sidewalk and then extending under your front window (dark brown mulch would be unobtrusive and wouldn't clash with your house's color scheme). I've found hostas to be pretty forgiving (we're zone 5) and the green and white foliage is striking and looks good from spring into fall. A house in our neighborhood planted hostas with about a foot in between each plant, then placed potted red geraniums in those gaps in the summer. It's really pretty and fairly low maintenance. I think they put a few pumpkins out in those spaces during the fall which was fun. :)

If your house is grayish-green (it's hard for me to tell the exact color on my monitor :)) I would agree with the others in suggesting a red or cranberry for the door instead of yellow. That way you have a bit of contrast. As long as your garage doors and shutters match each other I think you could just leave them to save on work/money.

My neighborhood has a lot of basketball hoops as well. Leave it. :) Nothing says family friendly neighborhood like all the kids out playing ball in the nice weather. Hostas would probably withstand the occasional basketball as well, haha!

I think the point is that it's not very helpful to say "hey, man, your house uuuugly!" There's no need to belabor the fact that you don't find this house attractive, though frankly, I don't think it's ugly at all. A little lacking on curb appeal, but that's why the OP was asking for advice.

Re: hoop. Keep in mind you're selling the house, and that means you need to keep it as generic as possible. A hoop may not be something the new homeowners want, maybe they don't have kids, maybe their elderly? It's not about what you want anymore, it's about getting the most bang for your buck. If you don't want to take it out, list it as an option, if the new homeowners don't want it, offer to take it out as a selling point!

Why not make the changes now and enjoy them yourself? You'll get all the money back when you sell your home. As others have mentioned, paint the garage doors the same color as your siding, paint the front door a deep rust, paint your existing carriage lights black, consider widening the curved walkway to your front door and covering it with pavers, add a large, magnificent pot of orange and blue flowers.

http://todayscreativeblog.net/ideas-for-curb-appeal/ this site has great ideas :)

We are talking about a HOUSE here GH, not your first born child! A HOUSE. Moreover, a house you are looking to SELL. Where does the emotion come in? Unless you were the architect, I don't see how an honest first impression comment should be upsetting. It's insightful. You can tell me my house looks like an abandoned building if it'll make you feel better. Having flipped a number of properties I can tell you this; that with little to no money any changes you make will make little to no difference to the bottom line. If you are SERIOUSLY interested in getting your house to stand out from the crowd and fetching its full dollar potential - you are going to have to spend at least between $5-$10k. Do it right and you'll get it back and then some, do it halfheartedly and it will be you who feels like an "idiot" later for wasting your time.

Michael Lee had great suggestions. Since you have a smaller budget, instead of pouring a patio, mulch and landscape from basketball goal to the length of the front of your home. This will bring your eyes to a softer and inviting front door. I do not like the yellow.

Good luck!

ignore jeff. he has ignored you and your comments. if you want it to sell stay neutral. match up the garage doors, shutters and the front door. dig a garden under the window on the right. plant lots of greenery at different heights. i don't know what zone you are in but black eyed susans will grow from seed and grow like crazy. alternate them with the greenery 3 patches of flowers and 4 of greenery. a couple of terra cotta pots on the veranda with red and yellow annuals. and one up against the garage at the median to tie it all in. done. leave the basketball hoop and offer to remove it if it is a problem. i think some greenery and bright flowers will perk it up a lot. if you have any more money extend the front garden along the curve of the walkway with some hostas or euonymous.

Garage doors white, front door white, remove the shutters (they do not fit the windows properly) and invest in larger outdoor sconces.

Using just 2 exterior colors will be more in keeping with the house.

JudyD Design's first picture's garage doors have lots of curb appeal. You could do something similar by putting handles and the little hinges on them, would putting these on your garage door be in your budget and look right to you? There are probably lots of other places too, that you can get them for less.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_471489-38629-AP066196_0__?productId=4513960&Ntt=garage+door+handles&pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=garage+door+handles&facetInfo=

Assuming a tight budget: agree with Michael L. the garage doors are the focus now because of the color. Looks like a big, dark hole from the street. Paint the doors same color as the siding. Paint the shutters the trim color. Now, go for contrast for the front door. A black door would be classic, timeless and understated. Use black containers. Place one between the garage doors, place another on the side of the garage door where the sidewalk begins and one more on the porch. Can't tell from photo if there is enough space, but try for in front of the column. Put a tall, upright, evergreen in each container and then under plant with loud, bodacious color. Under the front window, plant evergreen shrubs in bloom, like azaleas or a variegated evergreen. In front of the tree plant annuals with loud screaming color that say "hey, look at me!" Next, paint or change out the light fixtures. Paint black or replace with nickel, or stainless steel. Place a nice mat at the front door. You will have a polished, coordinate look without spending lots of money. Happy to suggest specific plants.

Ugh. Just love people who tell you how a ten thousand dollar budget is inconsequential, your home is ugly, and then add the unnecessary information of how many houses they have flipped. How charming.
The landscape ideas above are very practical. The yellow door needs to go. I could go either way regarding the basketball hoop; depends upon your neighborhood and will not be a deal breaker in any case. Yes, the light fixtures should be replaced with something newer or, depending upon budget, painted black. Good luck to you with your sale.

Hi, you do not have an ugly house by any means. I really liked doctornancys picture. Looks nice and clean. Have fun!

Am I wrong that this house is in a suburban community and there are at least ten more of this style within walking distance? People who look at your house will be buying the neighborhood, the schools, the shopping and the entertainment amenities. You do not need to do anything much to make your house have curb appeal, just so long as it,doesn't NOT have curb appeal. From the curb your house looks like a nice house. Basketball hoop, no basketball hoop, meh! What will sell your house is a spotless, nothing needs fixing, no weird things interior and a reasonable price.

Focus on the lighting hardware, repaint the front door to a rich red, paint garage doors black, if there is a budget allowing, please refinish your driveway with a rich color and replace your grass with fresh mats with an attractive pruned tree as a focal point. A simple chair with a nice pot on the porch will soften that area as well, looks like a few changes could make that yard pop! Mulch is also a quick win.

I would not change anything other than the door color--maybe a red or teal? and add some bushes around the front and maybe some green covering around the light post. Some pots of flowers would help too. Good luck

Since your garage doors are so prominent, I'd replace the top panels with glass and paint them black if the budget allows. If not, no worries. Placing a large potted plant between will soften the look. Not loving the yellow door, but I do love color! I'm definitely partial to a dark red or some variant of red. The lighting definitely needs to go. They're too small for the massive doors. And maybe go with black or a dark finish. I noted someone mentioned stainless which is also a nice idea. Just be sure any other hardware finishes won't clash, ie. brass with stainless. Don't forget to change the light at the front door as well.
Since you mentioned that you don't have a green thumb, go with low maintenance or potted plants. Note that I wrote "or". Potted plants will require regular watering, but once you get in the habit (water before you leave for work and when you return if necessary) it'll be second nature. Shrubbery under the window will add texture and color. Check with your local garden center for plants that are easy to maintain for your area. And don't be afraid of color!
Your large front window is a highlight of your home. Show it off! There's nothing more welcoming (especially at night) than a warm glow through an open window. So open those curtains or get rid of them altogether. Position a lamp either off to the side or centered depending on your layout. Many Realtors use photos of homes at night just for that reason. You have a lovely home. Good luck!

Lots of great suggestions. I agree with painting the prominent garage doors black. We spent well over a year house hunting and there are far too many houses with prominent garage doors. The only one we barely considered had doors that were painted black to disappear while other features were enhanced. Love the cranberry door suggestion and the layered garden under the front windows sounds lovely.

personally i do not like the white garage doors. too retro. i would stick with black or brown as i said before and add colour with flowers. good luck with it!!

I don't understand the suggestions to paint the garage doors black - black or brown as they are, what's the diff?

Garage doors are fine. Medallion above windows paint the light color.
Shutters-make larger and paint black. Paint front door black to bring that color to that
half of the house.
New light fixtures oil rubbed bronze. New house # larger, oil rubbed bronze, think to the left of front window, vertical (will bring color to that side of house).
Tall evergreen to right corner (a little past corner) to elongate that side of house.
Front planter dark oil rubbed bronze w/magenta mix flowers.
Have fun!!!

GH - I don't mind the way your house looks other than the yellow door. On a tight budget, elbow grease and paint are your best options. Are you traditional or contemporary? A red door speaks to a traditional style, or a bright orange or blue (turquoise if you dare) says more contemporary.

Install at least three, possibly four large plant pots in the same color as the door. A beefy one by the front steps, and a taller one between the garages, with another by the sidewalk. Your grass can be painted green if you are in a drought-stricken area. The local nursery where you buy the plant pots will help you choose tall colorful grasses with appropriate trailing, sun-loving plants. Leave your B-ball hoop for the next family.

If you have time, money and energy, dig out some of the grass near the front steps in a large curved area using your hose as a guide, about twelve feet deep from the front of the house. Pour in some crushed granite with weed barrier underneath, and pop a couple of benches and a small portable water feature. That will give parents and kids a place to park during B-ball games and provide a welcome outdoor space near the front of the house.

Good luck selling and put your budget first. Most improvement expenses made in the year of the sale can be deducted from your taxes. See page 9 of following form:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p523.pdf

I like the photo shopped picture by doctornancy with the exception that I would remove the shutters on the upper windows. They are too small for the windows and don't add anything to the house.

I am probably the only person to like yellow doors. Your color yellow just needs to be a bit more golden and less daffodil color. If screen door could be painted yellow as well it would visually disappear. The brown garage doors are fine. Put your money into flowers and bushes. Please no shrubs by house.

Hi everyone! You all posted many comments here, I just bought my new house and really need help on curb appeal. Please come see my dilema. What accent color or stone or brick could go well with my home? https://www.houzz.com/discussions/landscaping-and-home-exterior-renovations-please-help-me-dsvw-vd~895980

Thank you so much!

I truly appreciate all comments and opinions. We live in a cookie cutter, starter home, family neighborhood where all look the same with same size shutters etc. At this point we have customized our interior and will not recoup any additional money spent AT ALL. Any improvements on curb appeal will help our home sell faster than comps but not for any more money. Our budget is about $1,000. We have already purchased 4 black onion lights with seed glass. Will paint garage doors color of house and paint front door a deep red or deep orange. Will get pots and paint black to match shutters and lights. Now just focussing on low maintenance plant or tree ideas. The large tree is a beautiful red maple only 7 years old. Thank you everyone!

Don't forget to pressure clean your driveway and walkway. Right now they appear dirty and dingy and it is a very cost effective way to improve your curb appeal. :)

I think adding a free form mulched bed along the walkway and connecting under front windows will add just enough dimension and pop to balance the effect of huge garage doors (love jeaniy02 suggestion!) Please share your photos after you finish.

I just think people make a mistake painting the garage door a different color from the body of the house. Especially if they are as prominent as yours.
I have had the same problem with a house of mine. When painted the color of the house the distraction of their size changed everything and the house itself looked bigger!
Try and draw the eye to the front door. Deep red with a touch of brown...nothing going toward a fire truck.
New VERY large light at garage area and slightly smaller than the garage light at the front door....people do not realize how large a light an outdoor area can use. They are after all like jewelry to the front of the house.
Pots grouped together in varying sizes...mostly large full of welcoming flowering plants at the door...new door mat...new door knocker...no cobwebs...a small bench if possible.
And yes the basketball hoop is a distraction...put it up and get ready to move it to your new home.
Please share your after pictures.
Thank you

I didn't read the comments.
Inexpensive changes ....
I would paint the shutters white.
Paint the garage doors the same color as the house to get lost. They are not the focal point of the home.
Paint the entry door a rich red/mahogany/brown in gloss.
Add bright pot with colorful flowers on the right of the step corner.
Hang a white iron plaque on the wall perpendicular to the entry door.
Add a path of coloful bedding plants along the walkway.
Add some bedding plants under the the right side windows.
Add a large flowering bush behind the basketball hoop to distract from it
.... or remove and still add an interesting bush about 2-3' from the driveway into the lawn.

Lots of good suggestions.

I was going to suggest a warm orange door like doctornancy did and I like the garage doors painted the color of the house.

Another option would be to get doors with windows and hardware which would make the double door look like two.

Another thing you could do is plant strips of grass in the driveway. Landscaping will go a long way to improving the curb appeal. Good luck!

People please what ever happened to being polite in the responses?
Remember what our mothers said...or should have said..."if you can't say something nice...." We all know the rest of the line.
The question was asked for ON A BUDGET....most of the answers have been in that vain.
How about we don't make a person sorry for asking for our advice.
Okay?

GH - Here is a great site for finding low maintenance plants for your garden. It walks you through the search for your location. http://plantfinder.sunset.com/plant-home.jsp

Is that an autumn blaze maple? I had a beautiful one in my yard (mine was 9 years old) I just had removed because it was way too close to the driveway and growing like a weed. I'll sure miss that tree. It was spectacular in the fall. Yours appears to be in a great spot with lots of room to grow. I'm not a fan of flowers planted around the base of trees but I do like the idea of about 3-5 large pots of flowers under the window, or just one impressive pot like doctornancy pictured. I think there's a good chance new buyers would have children and want the basketball hoop. If not, they could ask for it to be removed in the contract, but I sure don't think it will prevent a sale. If you add mulch, I'd go with just brown, not one of the strong colors. Do you have more of the gray/green house paint. I might prefer the garage doors that color with a rust/red front door. Oops, sorry, I just read your last comment and the paint stuff I mentioned is already planned:)

P.S. there is nothing wrong with the design or feeling of your home. It's very pleasant and only needs a few minimal inexpensive additions. As I mentioned before. I think painting the shutters white like your trim will balance the large garage below and highlight those windows. It will tend to make them seem wider. Shutters are for aesthetic purposes only and don't have to be seen in scale as if they could be functional. I've seen them here on houzz homes with misproportioned functionality.

Inexpensive means inexpensive and only those changes that will cost less and make the greatest impact to fit in the budget is what is necessary.

I suggest to choose your priorities and let the budget dictate what else you have funds for. If someone does not have a larger budget, then the pricier suggestions can not happen, even though you may recoup the money. It's just not available as an option.

To sell a home, you do not need to spend a lot at all. It will sell if priced reasonalbly without the homeowner going above his head and in debt.

GH I just got to your posting.
You are spending your 1,000 wisely. Just what you are doing will make a difference. One thing that I did not mention in my first post was what someone added later. I would take the time to "lightly" pressure wash the driveway. You may even have a friend with one. You don't need to rent the heavy duty one it may be too much pressure and not end up looking cleaned but streaked. Just the normal house hold model.
That along with the fact your home looks so nice and well cared for will make a good first impression.
I attended a seminar years back and was told that a buyer sums up your house in 10 seconds from the car....and you get fewer seconds once the front door is opened.
Sad really...but I believe it! You know the old saying "you get one shot to made a good impression"....in this fast paced world with lots of choices and the internet buyers are probably even more reactive.
My first impression looking at your beginning pictures was...the house looked well maintained.
Now just go for the finishing touches so folks get to the front door and are anticipating the interior!!!
Once again....pictures of the final result.

Here is the after. The tree is in the middle of a professional pruning. We will not make any more changes. I miss the black garage doors and yellow front door.

Nice! Looks fresh and clean. Love the door contrast!