There are 3 things that jump out to me as ways you could could make improvements without taking out a second mortgage. The first is painting. There's nothing wrong with the present color per se, but the "barracks" paint scheme -- of everything being the same color -- lacks in punch and interest. I earlier got through speaking about it in another thread and my advice would be the same here. I think the overall best general scheme is some version of grey/taupe with white trim. In order to make it work, the body color must be dark enough such that white is a contrast. If they're too close (as your color is now) is just doesn't have the necessary punch. But you could take the same color and intensify it. Search Google Images for "taupe (and grey/ seafoam/ sage/ mauve, etc.) house with white trim" and you'll see the vein of schemes I'm talking about. Some of the greys can be too "cold" so watch out for that. And steer away from too strong of colors. If you were to go this route it would definitely make the porch area stand out with greater importance since it is comprised of a lot of trim. (I would not paint garage doors white, just the trim. Also, what helps improve the look of garage doors is replacing the top panel of each door with a panel that has windows all across it.) Another way you could improve the overall looks is to re-do the front walk, as it has amazing power to set the impression for the whole house. A skinny little walk makes a whole house look cheap. Yours is average, but it could be substantially improved if made wider. Bringing it farther from the house and creating a larger landing would bring greater stature to the whole "entering" experience. The third thing you could do is improve the landscape planting. Nothing about it now jumps out as horrible and there are some nice features (mainly palms) within it, but it is a long way from "showstopper" quality. If you want some general suggestions on that, retake a battery of slightly overlapping pictures with the camera lined up with the center of the house, while standing at the edge of the street (a little closer than these pictures.) Pan the camera from far left to far right showing surroundings of the yard, and do not change position between photos.

I'm in San Diego county near the beach. The supply is low and the demand is still fairly high. Many homes are going for well above asking price and above the appraised value. The area is extremely eclectic and subject to a lot of "emotional buying" and few of the comps at any time are actual comps. Buyers are bringing cash to make up the difference and driving prices up. For the next buyers these homes will be the comps and the next appraisals will be higher. Thats how it works.

If the windows with the view are a bedroom and bathroom, does that bathroom have another exterior wall in which you might add a window so any escaping sounds and smells from the bathroom do not open onto the deck? Have you considered sliding glass doors in the bedroom and/or (if the floor plan enables it) changing around the purposes of the rooms so the bedroom by the deck becomes a more used room .... such as could a dining room become a bedroom and the bedroom become a dining room? and/or build another bedroom and bath upstairs above the bedroom and bath on the main floor so the deck side bedroom might become a bonus room/den? Adding a downstairs entry facing the "front" (photographer) could be a good idea, depending upon the layout of the home. However, if the current main entry is beneath the deck, you might consider turning the garage into a sun room or screened porch that wraps around to become the entry unless you actually need/want another opening facing "front" (photographer). Do at least first consider what that would do to the interior of the room in which you're adding the entry. Does the room lend itself to that change? What side of the house is north/south/east/west -- will that impact your decision?

Extend a welcome! Develop a planting bed extending from the front walk across the front of the house along the bow window. Include low shrubs, groundcover, and colorful perennials for year-round interest. Reserve a small area dedicated for flowering annuals for a pop of color (see below). Consider integrating an additional focal point near the entrance. For example, you could draw attention and enhance the arrival experience with a small bubbling fountain or lovely piece of sculpture. Add a bench or chair for a welcoming touch and a spot from which to enjoy your yard. Photo Gallery Layered plantings