My spouse has been in insurance for over 13 years and knows the laws and regulations and is licensed in 45 states. But the exterior was up to code other than a panel along the bottom on the side of the driveway and it was that way when we moved in and so we did not change it. in 2017 the 10 month notice was to difficult to have all the work done as we lost my spouses income completely and the medical treatment bill was $500,000.00 and that was top priority to save my spouse's life. So yes the home got put second. Our state told we do not qualify for any assistance as they would take my spouse's prior income into account. I was able to find a family member that is willing to help with the siding, but said we will have to buy the materials and his crew can handle the installation for labor the cost is $5500.00 I am hoping that is not too steep. We will now just have to figure what supplies for the exterior we will want to upgrade the home as if we are going to put money in, we want to make it worth it.

I think you want shutters, although the current ones are a bit small. You want a warm color for the siding. It's hard to comment on the landscaping before spring. You can prune the tree. The plantings under the window look skimpy. I'd put in some evergreen shrubs, preferably flowering broadleaf evergreens like Mt. Laurel and Rhodos, and pull the current plants forward. You want to pay attention to the color of your house vs, the color of the garage doors. If they are too close, as in Celery's pic, they might look like a failed match, rather than a planned contrast.

These pics are before tree removal. I haven't gotten new pics yet. I am in east tennessee and the house has a partial lake view.

Check into Accoya real wood products. Its a pickled wood and that non-toxic process makes it impervious to termites and water. I used their dyed gray wood so when you cut it, the color is through out, so you can lightly sand any scratches that may happen. It never needs treating, staining, painting or maintenance with a 50 yr warranty. It will always be gray. Here it is on my house. It's one of my favorite things on my remodel.