What is the condition of your roof? That is something that you might want to consider as you begin the process of renovating your home. If you have to replace it, I would choose a more neutral color...charcoal gray or black.

@ptreckel It has some years on it but it's not to replacement yet, but yeah I agree I would much prefer something netural

@Patricia Colwell Consulting my ideal style is a modern white board and batten farmhouse with black windows, so not something I could really pull off here. I guess my goal would be to update within reason of the style of the house. I agree, I am not a proponent of painting brick and don't really mind the brick on this house, however, I'm struggling to think of a cohesive way to tie it all together, and keeping the house all one color would do that. I definitely like your inspiration photo though

I am happy with the brick and siding. Considering the era when your home was built, I actually think the shutters are acceptable. I would change their color to black or charcoal for an update. Replace the banged up garage doors with some that have lites (windows) in the top. Remove the arched piece above them while you're at it. I would change the storm door to one that is solid glass. Can't see the entry door but you might want to paint them both to match. The exterior lighting needs upgrading and beefing up (1/3 the front door's height,) and then get busy with landscaping. it is obvious that the plants are original to the home and are aging, some better than others. If that is gravel "mulch" get rid of it. Have a pro take a look at the health of the plants, get those that bloom and can stay under control and shaped. Eliminate the ones that can't be brought back to a beautiful shape that flatters the home and doesn't block views of it. Then start fresh with a new planting plan to implement over time or as budget allows.

I agree with deco regarding the shutters working in your case, and black would be nice. As already mentioned for the future, change the roof to a neutral color, such as medium gray or charcoal (also nice with black shutters).

I couldn't post this photo for some reason, so here's a link of just one example of similar brick working nicely with black and white. Your shutters are a better fit than these.

https://laurelberninteriors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/06-44294-post/Screen-Shot-2019-10-05-at-5.51.31-PM(pp_w842_h630).png

I would take off the first floor shutters, but leave the second floor ones. I think your gut feeling is correct that there'll be too much blank space without them. However, I would do a different color.

I would also replace the front door.

When I first moved into my home, I wanted to do all kinds of stuff right off the bat. Houzzers suggested I wait a year. I grumbled, but they were right. Especially in the summer, I was able to get used to how everything flowed, the yard, my front door, etc. I did some landscape tidying. That was it!

Since that worked for me, I'm recommending it to you! You could DIY removal of the first-floor shutters, and maybe DIY painting the 2nd floor shutters. If you don't like the color, well, "nothing ventured, nothing gained". No biggie. In the meantime, attend to landscaping in the front. And while you're getting that organized? Splashy annuals.

While you're waiting for the property to close, consider visiting nurseries to see what's out there and what you like. Take whatever photos you can of the current property, so you have material to work with in the winter while you hole up in your house.

I like your advice! I think removing the bottom shutters and painting the tops ones is a good quick fix for now. I am not good when it comes to landscaping so that's a whole other problem haha

The other suggestion I would make is to get your back deck just the way you like, and seriously enjoy it this summer. Do the BBQ's, have friends over, watch the sunset, etc.

In other words, there may be no rush to get things fixed up: just get the house figured out and focus on the items you can get pleasure out of. While you do your planning.

You might even find the house itself "tells you things", if you give yourself time to get in the groove. E.g. I never imagined cutting down more trees on my lot, or regrading the whole space, or getting professionals to come in and remove poison ivy, but that's what the space "told me to do". This has made a huge upgrade in my pleasure, increased my solar capacity (which decreases my heating etc. bill), and boosted my property value.

While you're dreaming in this next year, consult solar incentives in your state..... You have a lot of sun!!!

I don’t see why you can’t have your dream “white with black” look.
Yes remove lower shutters. Board and Batten the top portion of the front of the house. I would extend the porch across the front of the house.
Wood doors. Black windows black lights.
Super cute house