The contractor was to brick the two side doors and I was at pains to mention that I do not want to paint the exterior, meaning he needs to ensure that he comes as close as possible to the current brick Color or find a way to blend. 

There's another bathroom downstairs (renovated) and large room downstairs (needs new floor but is painted and has new lights) which has a lot of old things from the previous owner.

The renovation consisted of all new interior and exterior paint, removal of popcorn ceiling, complete floor removal and install, complete kitchen remodel which included a wall removal and converting half of a closet into a pantry, complete master bath remodel, 2/3 remodel on guest bath, All new interior doors and hardware, new front door and hardware, new lighting fixtures, new landscaping, new paint for patio and front sidewalk, and pressure washed driveway.

We had to do all the typical cosmetic renovations: painting, carpets, and landscaping.

With older homes, you need to look for asbestos, lead paint and knob and tube wiring.

Paint kitchen walls, ceilings, trims, moldingsIf the budget allows, you can go the extra mile and also do the following:6.

He also works painting and doing electrical with me. 

Get the advice of an agent in your area but in addition to what's been said: paint job, flooring, exterior appearance (new siding/paint/power-wash/whatever) and landscaping.

Simple fixes with this one; new flooring, new paint, new kitchen and new bath (to name a few things).

Floors, painting, repairs, needed improvements, etc.