I actually find that caulk is easier to apply than spackle. I just have a damp rag on hand to wipe away the excess. But caulk does shrink so spackle would be better for deep cracks and holes. I usually use either MH Ready Patch or an exterior spackle made by Muralo. Neither are very easy to sand so you don't want to go crazy with the stuff.

In my experience more people respond positively to roofs that are medium charcoal to black than any other color. That is a regionally specific color opinion, however. Least favorites are blue, orange and green. Sometimes you have no choice but to select a dark brown due to the other permanent elements on the home. And that's okay. It's more important to strike that tone of harmony (I agree w/andrea). I also agree with oopsie about a dark brown with a strong orange undertone - not good. When I choose roof colors I focus on color coordination and harmony across the board. Darker colors are often favored because psychologically they evoke a secure sense of place - everyone wants a safe haven, a sturdy roof over their head. Energywise, darker roofs do make a difference but so much advancement has been made with insulation and whatnot that summer to winter I kinda think it all works out. Unless you live in a super sunny place, like the desert. I now live in a desert environ. The dark charcoal roof I had on my house in Ohio would NOT work out well here in Texas. So you do have think about where you live and just how much color will play into the regional aspect.

IIRC this is the house reno purchased to renovate and sell, so it just doesn't make sense (as lisa mentioned above) to dump a lot more $ into cosmetics that in all likelihood a buyer is going to change anyway. (But then reno knows this from experience, don't ya? ;D ). Honestly, looking at it from a buyer's perspective, it looks presentable to me. (Although I do like it with shutters back on and more neutral garage door.) If a paint tweak makes you more comfortable, then I say go for it , it's a quick cheap fix. BTW, I was showing DH your house (because I've been bugging him to get into renovating, it's something we can do ourselves. My father enjoyed Real Estate dealing as a hobby and did very well for himself rehabbing homes on the side when he was younger). DH wants to know if the driveway is the kind where the gravel soaks up and disperses the water below ground? (I have no idea what he's talking about, don't see those around here, but he does, so hope I phrased it properly! ;D )

@Flo - thanks for being so helpful. I have posted the pic for your reference below. I have even gotten a copy of the house plan but it's pretty torturous to see :/. So...Past the initial gates, there are those pillars that might be holding up the balcony above. But I don't know what the need was for part of the balcony to come forward. I wish the entire balcony was just straight instead of a part being extended. Could those front pillars be taken out and balcony pushed back? Also, You will see a set of windows past the pillar. That window looks into the foyer (the dome structure) as attached in the pic below. The wall/set of windows was what I thought can be removed to add the french doors. i would probably want to bring the doors out a bit more. so it's not so far in. And those doors would be the entry point into the house and the right side door would get filled in. Hmmm I think that could work?! @suezbell - Thanks so much for your ideas. So just to clarify, there are 2 garages. One of either side (side entrances, one garage is for guest and the other side is a 3 car garage). Also I don't really mind losing any of the courtyard. In fact i was thinking we can even break down part of the wall and remove the gates to make it more open as opposed to being so enclosed. And add an extended pavement (i think that is what it's called) to create a better curb appeal. Can you please explain how the pillar can be something else other than pillars? And also do you have any pics of how a square roof can look on a rounded structure? Because right now the dome roof is on a round structure. Please see photo of where the entrance door leads to. The entry door. To the right passage, you will see 3 windows. That whole can be broken down to put in french doors. I would want to bring the doors as forward as I can. In this pic below, you can see the balcony brought forward with the pillars. Those can't be removed and balcony be pushed back to align and look like a straight balcony? You can see the entry door to the right.