Somehow I ended up here when I was searching for something else and I became distracted reading the posts ;) I have to agree that I wouldn't remove the shutters, and I also wouldn't paint the brick unless you have a plan to change some of the architectural features of the home as well. I know the shutters and brick aren't modern, but the problem is that the windows are small in proportion to the outside of the house, and the brick is what gives the long, boxy shape of the house some texture and interest. If you look at the pictures of the modern houses above, all of them have windows that are either blocked together or are larger in proportion to the house, or there is some kind of textural or architectural element to provide interest, such as the cedar siding or the linear decking. If you remove the shutters and paint the brick, I think you're going to end up with more of a flat, boring house than you began with, and I agree that it will look more commercial vs. more sleek and modern. In the long run you can transform the house more dramatically if you wish and really make it more modern, but I think it will require some architectural changes, and it just won't look right if you do it part way. You could replace the siding that isn't to your taste, or possibly replace the windows with larger ones, trim out the windows, build something out front, etc. but I think those are all going to cost more than your budge - unless you do it in phases. I also second the suggestion to consider your long term "dream plan" (keeping in mind whether your priorities might shift to a different area of your house once you're living in it) and maybe break it up into stages, doing stage 1 now. As far as making what you have as modern as you can, I think you'll get a better result if you can embrace (or accept, haha) some of the traditional style. If it's freshened up, especially with your great landscaping ideas, you'll give it a much more modern look without making it look forced or awkward, especially because it does have a rectangular, linear shape. If you choose a color scheme that has more crisp contrast, such as light and dark grey for the siding and shutters like someone suggested earlier, it will contrast really nicely with the red brick, and with a great bold door, you might find the traditional features don't bother you nearly as much when they aren't beige. I LOVE the idea of the awning, especially the one you pictured because of the metal and because it mimics the line of the existing roof, and it would go a long way to draw attention to your doorway, and away from the traditional features. I think if you're careful you could probably paint, replace or paint the door, add a great, graphic railing, and probably DIY some more blocky, contemporary shutters to replace the traditional ones that are there, all for within your budget. I haven't ever priced out an awning like that so that's one thing I'm not sure on, but the awning is definitely a really good place to start to give you a lot of bang for your buck, unless you want to make more dramatic structural changes in the near future.

HI -- To me it looks like the garage section was an add onto a bungalow . I would do a porch width sidewalk straight down to the city walk ...perhaps in a colored stone or brick . A pergola over the garage door and a new wood looking garage door . Add a trim color and maybe a new front door or paint a bright color . The tree growing out of the foundation needs to go before it causes problems with the foundation. Work out a landscape plan with your local garden center or landscaping company . Bigger more modern windows especially the one right of the front door . I think it looks nice being white ...it just needs some accents . Good Luck !

A great option could be a pergola. There are many sizes that would look wonderful in front of your farmhouse! Once you have a solid foundation your options are endless! Or once you have your front porch built we can make a custom pergola to fit your area. https://outdoorlivingtoday.com/shop/pergola-with-retractable-canopy/

I had a similar mid century two story home with the Roman brick first floor. Our second floor was horizontal siding when we purchased it, we found vertical siding hiding under the clapboard which we eventually returned to. It made a huge difference to the aesthetics of the home. We painted everything Sherwin Williams black fox (except for the brick of course) What really sticks out currently are the white gutters and downspouts- whatever you do replace these with something darker.