I've lived in a midwestern college town for 16-17 years and am fairly familiar with West Lafayette, IN. I also worked as a realtor in this town for 8 or so years. Rules that normally apply to homes don't apply when one is talking about a house near a college campus. Location within walking distance of a midwestern university will trump most other things. While the deck maybe unattractive, there are a few things to note: first, there appears to be a concrete patio, probably attached to the house, which is actually the floor of the deck. It's a pretty common thing to find on these types of houses in the midwest. Second, the surrounding deck material was probably installed for safety reasons. If the patio is high enough off the ground, it needed some kind of fencing to prevent people from falling off. If the house was ever a rental, it was probably a local code requirement. The deck material was not the most attractive choice, likely the cheapest, but it probably can't be removed without replacement for code reasons if there are any tenants. Finally, if the house is within walking distance to campus, the reputation of being the house kids hung out on the front deck will not be a detriment in a future sale. Kids hang out on porches in college towns in the midwest. Future buyers will be more interested in it's location. As I said, normal house buying rules don't always apply in cases like this one. That said, I would not recommend a different color for the door area. It's not really characteristic of these types of houses, unless it's brick or stone, for the color to be different. It would look kind of "mcmansiony" to me.

Agree. Diamond. Even modest little ranches in the 70's had diamond shapes everywhere. A home like yours, with more semi authentic styling, wouldn't look right with the square. But, there's nothing wrong with your current door that a good electrician and better lighting plan inside the home wouldn't cure. It would be cheaper too. Also, paying an arborist to limb up the trees somewhat would be a way to lighten everything up. It might be a multi year plan though, given the age and character of those great old trees.

Unfortunately, the paint is chipping, and buyers at this price point require move in ready. Not to mention I am at risk of being fined by my HOA for chipping paint as of today. We are not selling till spring. Leaving as-is is a nice thought, though. Would love some color suggestions that would enhance the house.

Hard to see the condition of the brick. I might leave the brick untouched Paint the stucco and those Tudor style trim boards white. I’d do something interesting with the doors. Maybe replace them with something wood... and some updated outdoor lighting. very nice home. Doesn’t seem to need much on the exterior.