First off, congratulations on your new home! I wouldn't paint the brick but I would paint the siding and garage doors a bit darker to blend in better with the brick. Maybe something like SW Relaxed Khaki. Add windows all across the garage door as opposed to just the two on each. You can buy magnetic windows that go right on top of the panels. Paint the downspout lighter to blend in with the brick. The shutters are fine on the right window but too small for the left. You want shutters that each measure half the width of the window. Perhaps you could grow something like white climbing roses all along the half wall and then add lower growing plants in front. If you don't have one, rent a pressure washer, rent one for half a day and pressure wash all the concrete, including the driveway. Hope this helps!

It just needs some character. I would paint it a nice nautical blue, white trim and an inviting sunshine yellow front door. I'm curious about that item next to the sign in front. Is that a pipe that goes into the house? I'm a vacation rental property manager (16 yrs., including Brigantine, NJ) and I don't think your home has rental appeal right now. First, I hang clothes out to dry and have no dryer, but vacationers aren't used to that. Remove the drying contraption and install a good W/D set. The place is hemmed in by all the asphalt! I see some of it leads to another building. Is that a separate property or just storage associated with the house? Can any of the asphalt be removed or replaced/covered with pea gravel, crushed shells or other material that is more "beachy?" All of the patio/walk material around the house is far from adequate, interesting or inviting. Again, replace with more appealing and beach-appropriate materials. Change the storm doors for solid pane ones. On the side facing the ocean, find a way to open a door onto a new balcony/deck that will also provide cover for the lower area. Not knowing the interior layout, I'm guessing, but the three windows could be changed to a triple French door, slider or retracting/stacking glass panels (your budget may be a concern here.) In front where people park just put a pergola all across. I suggest you watch the Netflix series titled "Stay Here." It is chock full of ideas, DIY and marketing tips that will help you if this is your first rental venture. Pergola to emphasize your entry Deck idea for ocean side.

I found your home’s sibling. :) Ok, it seems like you have some good, definitive ideas. I’m not sure how to help ... I think any of your proposed schemes would look great. I came across this and love the blue: Some others: I could post so many more! Other than a Victorian, this style of house has the most fun, unique, varied, and interesting color palette options. Truly limitless. It sounds like you really love the idea of black paint, though ... what’s your hesitation on that?

That's a lovely house. Nice proportions, attractive details. Green might be nice for the door and shutters. You could try a forest, but sage would work well, too. You could paint the trim around the door a few shades lighter. The landscaping is a bit uninspired, but it's hard to tell, because even with great gardens, there are always weeks when not much is in bloom.