The Night America Lit Up

July 4 marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, but did you know the first Independence Day celebration occurred a year later, on July 4, 1777?

That first celebration, in Philadelphia, featured something most Americans had never seen before: fireworks.

According to The Pennsylvania Evening Post, the city put on “a grand exhibition of fireworks which began and concluded with thirteen rockets,” which was a nod to the original 13 colonies.

The day was also filled with bonfires, bell ringing, and public toasts, all meant to lift spirits and unite people during the hardships of the Revolutionary War.

So why fireworks?

The Founding Fathers were fans of pageantry. In fact, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, that independence should be celebrated with, “Pomp and Parade…bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.”

Although fireworks had been invented centuries earlier in Asia, they were the perfect way to inspire awe and to symbolize a bold, young nation stepping into its place on the world stage.

~ Elisa McNinch, Realtor

 

Our Featured Listings

The Houston housing market is soft but seems to be strengthening especially as buyers are beginning to surface again since the FED dropped the interest rate mid-September. If  you are searching for a Realtor to help you list or buy a home, we encourage you to give us a call to see if we are the “right” agent for you.  

Take a look at our Featured Listings below:

If you would like to search the Houston MLS system for your next property, click on the Home button on the top menu bar to navigate the main BrunerTeam website.

Note: We are taking new listings all of the time. 

ACTIVE LISTINGS:

• 5318 Foresthaven in Greenwood Forest – (77066) –  FOR SALE $319,000  – www.har.com/60604509 – 2-story, 3242, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, with sparkling swimming pool. Classic floorplan offers a wonderful opportunity to customize & make your own. Foyer with sweeping curved staircase. Formal living & dining with LVP flooring. Spacious family rm with porcelain tile, brick fireplace, wall of windows with stunning view of pool. Study. Kitchen with marble countertop, gas cooking, porcelain tile flooring. All 4 bedrooms upstairs. Owner’s suite with 3 closets, 2 sinks, & jetted tub. 3 large secondary bedrooms with walk-in closets.  Video:  https://youtu.be/QHBA1jLHqmI
• 8309 Koester in Jersey Village (77040) –  FOR SALE $439,900 – www.har.com/70520969 – 2-story, 3061, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, & 4-car detached garage. Double pane Low-E windows, Plantation shutters; 2-zoned HVACs (upstairs HVAC 2023), Updated kitchen with quartz, stainless steel appliances, 2 Primary Suites (1st & 2nd floor), Interior paint, Porcelain tile/Distressed wood laminate/Carpet, Updated lighting & more! Living with vaulted ceiling & gas log fireplace. Kitchen with shaker cabs, gas cooking, convection oven. Formal dining. 1st floor owner’s suite with 3 closets, 2 sinks, clawfoot tub, & shower. 2nd floor: 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, gameroom, & additional “flex” room. Porte corchere + 4-car garage with 220 receptacle. Fully fenced backyard, gazebo. Video: https://youtu.be/-14FQUf28ZQ 
• 16218 Capri in Jersey Village – (77040) –  FOR SALE $445,000  – www.har.com/87317877 – Expanded 1-story home creating a 1.5-story home with 2750sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car garage. Two primary suites. All bedrooms on the 1st floor. Only gameroom on 2nd floor. Roof (2021), Energy efficient double pane windows (2018), Electrical panel (2024), LVP flooring (2023), Carpet (2025), Quartz countertops & fixtures in kitchen & all baths (2023), Fence (2023), Copper plumbing, & MORE. True 2-car wide driveway leads to 2-car garage & porte corchere. Living with vaulted ceiling & fireplace. Versatile living spaces could be repurposed. Owner’s ensuite bath with designated vanities & dressing areas, separate tub & walk-in shower. Fully fenced backyard. Sprinkler system. Video: https://youtu.be/15EM4AYsY7w 
• 15610 Township Glen in Fairfield – (77433) –  FOR SALE $499,000  – www.har.com/72173832 – 2-story, 3520sqft, 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 car garage. Home has 2 bedrooms & 2 full baths on 1st floor making it ideal for multi-generational family. Boasts modern updates, including polished concrete floors, a gourmet island kitchen, & versatile gameroom. Formal dining with built-in server. Remodeled kitchen with granite, gas cooking, convection oven, stainless steel appliances. Family room with gas fireplace. 1st floor owner’s retreat. 2nd floor: 4 sizeable secondary bedrooms with generous closet/storage, 2 full baths, & gameroom. Outdoor space with flagstone patio, pergola, & bbq area.  Video: https://youtu.be/h25dZHpE_s4
• 5505 Hardy St in Ryon (77009) – FOR SALE $199,000 – www.har.com/3027430  – 5,000sqft lot ready to be built on. Lot is 50ft wide x 100ft deep. No HOA. No MUD. Low tax rate. 

PENDING SALES:

• 1305 Laird in Greater Heights (77008) –  FOR LEASE $4,150 – www.har.com/10086660 – Ready for immediate move-in. Pets on case-by-case basis. No smokers. Built 2017, 3-story, 3660sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, & 3-car. Double pane Low-E windows, high efficiency HVAC systems, lots of natural light. Unique stair-step architectural design with multiple balconies with glass railings. Island kitchen with quartz, sleek cabinetry, stainless steel appliances. Spacious owner’s suite with private balcony, & bath with 2 sinks, glass shower, air massage tub, large walk-in closet. All secondary bedrooms are generously sized with large windows. 3rd flr: gameroom features wood floors, wet bar, & access to additional balcony—perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Video: https://youtu.be/MrSPBJmC0CU 
• 3131 Cummins #54 in Greenway Plaza (77027) –  FOR LEASE $1,195 – www.har.com/749475  Available 8/1/25. Pets on case-by case basis. No smokers. 2nd floor condo with 1-bedroom and 1-bath. ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED. 1-assigned parking space. Gated complex includes swimming pool and laundry facility. Unit has wood laminate flooring, granite in kitchen. Easy commute to Downtown, Galleria, or The Medical Center. Video: https://youtu.be/922EPdX_dgI
• 8202 Rustic Falls in Mission Glen (77083) – FOR SALE $228,900 – www.har.com/870416 – MULTIPLE OFFERS –  1-story home with 1175sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2-car garage in quiet cul-de-sac on a spacious pie-shaped lot. Roof (2019). Fresh interior paint & new carpet (2025) create a bright, move-in ready feel. Living area with corner FP, high ceiling, & sliding glass doors that flood the space with natural light & open to the large backyard. Kitchen offers new dishwasher (2025), gas range, & pantry. Enjoy the privacy of a split-bedroom floorplan. Large fully fenced backyard with storage shed (for lawn equipment, bikes, etc). Video: https://youtu.be/yjpDVG6tnoU

JUNE SALES:

• 18015 Mountfield in Deerfield Village – (77084) –  FOR SALE $355,000  – SOLD IN 7 DAYS www.har.com/18615067 – 2-story, 2811sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage. Tudor-style home on quiet cul-de-sac lot. PEX plumbing (2019). Exterior paint (2024). Fencing (2023 & 2025), Recessed lighting. Kitchen with granite, tile backsplash, under-cab lighting, 5-burner glasstop cooktop (2024), MW, convection oven, & refrigerator. Spacious family rm with fireplace, wall of windows with lots of natural light. Formal dining. Formal living with vaulted ceiling, wood beams, & leaded glass windows could be large study or gameroom. 1st floor owner’s suite with 2 sinks, tiled walk-in shower, & 2 walk-in closets. Upstairs: 3 impressive secondary bedrooms with generous closet space & full bath w/ tons of storage.  READY FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN!  Video: https://youtu.be/RgYMJQqkkxY
• 19430 Mystic Cypress in Cypress Place (77449) –  FOR LEASE $1,950 – www.har.com/50083994 – LEASED IN 4-DAYS – 1-story, built 2006, 1761sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, & 2-car garage. 2024 UPDATES INCL: New roof, high-efficiency HVAC system, LVP flooring, Quartz countertops in kitchen & baths, SS kitchen appls incl refrigerator, commodes, interior paint, recessed lighting, ceiling fans, 2-in blinds, 2-sides backyard fence. Home has energy efficient double pane windows, PEX plumbing, on-demand water heater, & water softener. READY FOR IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN! Video: https://youtu.be/ppyfq447xtw 
• 15422 Rainbow Trout in Bridgeland ( 77433) – FOR SALE $455,000 – www.har.com/50986549 – Represented buyers. 2-story, built 2020, 2550sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage.  

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE FOR JULY:

• 15610 Township Glen in Fairfield – Sat 7/12 from 1-4PM
• 8309 Koester in Jersey Village – Sun 7/20 from 1-3PM
• 16218 Capri in Jersey Village – Sun 7/20 from 1-3PM

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The Surprisingly Scientific Origins Of Party Balloons

Before they were symbols of celebration, balloons were tools of science. In 1824, Michael Faraday made the first rubber balloon—which was intended for lab work, not birthdays—while experimenting with hydrogen.

By the late 1800s, inventor Thomas Hancock sold rubber balloons to the public as DIY kits. The 1930s is when latex balloons became mass-produced and colorfully commercial, thanks to such innovators as Neil Tillotson.

Add in safer helium and clever marketing, and balloons floated their way from science labs into every birthday party on Earth.

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Monthly Recipe: Deviled Crab Melts

From Southern Living, “Unexpected but absolutely delicious. Kick off your next summer party with crunchy crostinis topped with lightly spiced crab, fresh tomatoes, and melty cheese. These Deviled Crab Melts are a great way to showcase fresh crabmeat, and are an unexpected choice that your guests will be raving about.

Fresh crabmeat is mixed with mayonnaise, cilantro, basil, lime zest, salt, chili powder, and cayenne pepper for a bold filling that contrasts fresh tomatoes and mild Monterey Jack cheese.

Warm, crisp, and full of flavor, these melts would be equally welcome as an hors d’oeuvre, appetizer, or light lunch. Keep a close eye on the crab melts when they are under the broiler, and pull the pan out of the oven just as the cheese is starting to brown for a perfectly melty texture.”

For more go to:  Deviled Crab Melts

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Seven Efficient Ways To Make Your Home Feel Cooler

Summer is showing off this year—and so is your AC bill. Before you crank it up again, try these quick, efficient ways to cool your space naturally:

1. Keep curtains closed during peak sun hours, especially on south-and west-facing windows.
2. Switch your sheets to breathable cotton or linen.
3. Reverse your ceiling fan so it spins counterclockwise. (Yep, that’s the summer setting.)
4. DIY a cross-breeze by cracking windows on opposite sides of the house.
5. Replace incandescent bulbs, which give off a surprising amount of heat.
6. Cool your pulse points with a damp cloth or a chilled water bottle.
7. Declutter surfaces: Less stuff equals better airflow and a more-breathable vibe.

Little changes can make a big difference. Your future self (and utility bill) will thank you.

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Bilingualism May Ward Off Dementia

A recent study published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging found that older adults who reported speaking at least two languages every day scored higher on cognitive tests than patients who only spoke one language. According to the New York Times, the study is the latest in a growing body of research that explores how bilingualism can stimulate the aging brain.

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July 2025 Happenings In Houston

Take a look at some events and activities Houston offer. Take a look at The Hobby Center; Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion; The Alley Theater; Toyota Center, Theater Under The Stars; Houston Zoo; Houston Symphony; Houston Ballet, Miller Outdoor Theater; Wortham Theater; Jones Hall;  N.A.S.A & Space Center Houston; Art Car Museum; Arboretum & Nature Center; Natural Science Museum; Kemah Boardwalk; & SO MUCH MORE! Take a look at some of the events in the links below for you, your family, & friends to enjoy in Houston & the surrounding areas:

   Southern Living: 20 Best Things To Do In Houston

Visit Houston: July Events in Houston 2025

Houston Mom’s: Happenings in Houston in July

Kids Out and About.com: July activities in & around Houston

  101 Family Day Trips Around Houston

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Happy Birthday, America! Celebrating our 249 years of independence.

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Summer = Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers can lift a space instantly, especially during summer when blooms are at their peak.

Sunflowers bring warmth and energy, thrive in natural light and last up to a week.

Zinnias and dahlias are heat-loving showstoppers that add vibrant color and structure to any room.

Lavender or eucalyptus bundles are low maintenance,  fragrant, dry beautifully, and stay fresh for weeks.

And if you want an effortlessly elegant vibe, then hydrangeas are classic, but keep them hydrated because they’re thirsty.

From Southern Living, “Nothing beats a Southern summer—and these timeless traditions prove it.

There’s something about summer in the South that slows time down a little extra. Around here, we know that the best summer memories are made in the simplest ways, by soaking up the timeless joys that return each year like old friends. This season, our editors are savoring the activities that take us back to some of our favorite childhood days—jumping off docks, sliding down twisty pool slides, and lingering outside long into the evening. 

We might leave comparing with friends the number of mosquito bites we have to the kiddos, but whether it’s casting a line off a lowcountry dock or biking barefoot just because we can, we’re embracing the sweet, slowed-down rhythms of summer the way Southerners always have—on porches, near water, and with sticky hands full of ripe fruit. Here’s what’s topping our old-fashioned summer bucket list. What’s on yours?”

For more go to: 14 Things On Our Editors’ Old-Fashioned Summer Bucket List 

  Houston Housing Market Review

Multiple Listing Service of the Houston Association of REALTORS® includes residential properties and new homes listed by 50,000 REALTORS®

MORE HOMES, EASING PRICES BENEFIT HOUSTON HOMEBUYERS IN MAY

For a DETAILED review from the Houston Association of Realtors, take a look at their comprehensive review posted at https://www.har.com/content/department/mls

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Salt: Friend Or Foe?

Salt often gets a bad rap, but in the right amounts, it’s absolutely essential for your body to function at its best. Sodium—the key component in salt—plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, supporting healthy nerve transmission, and enabling muscle contractions, including the most important muscle of all: your heart.

Beyond its basic functions, sodium is also vital for nutrient absorption. It helps your body take in essential compounds like glucose and amino acids in the gut, fueling your cells with the energy and building blocks they need.

Of course, like most things in life, balance is key. Too little salt can be just as harmful as too much, leading to symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or muscle weakness. Meanwhile, consistently high salt intake is linked to elevated blood pressure and other health risks. The goal isn’t to eliminate salt altogether—it’s to use it wisely and mindfully.

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Dopamine “Resets”: Does Your Brain Actually Need One?

During the last few years, “dopamine detoxing” has become a buzzword in wellness circles. The idea? Take a break from overstimulating activities—such as scrolling social media, watching TV, snacking, or chatting—to “reset” your brain’s reward system. But here’s what neuroscience says.

Dopamine isn’t just a “pleasure chemical”; it’s a motivation neurotransmitter that helps your brain learn what’s worth pursuing. It spikes when you anticipate rewards but not necessarily when you receive them. According to Harvard Health, the idea of “fasting” from dopamine misunderstands how it works. You can’t actually “reset” your dopamine levels the way you might restart a phone by turning it off and on.

That said, there is real value in taking breaks from overstimulation. Constant novelty—such as notifications, videos, and algorithm-curated content—trains your brain to expect fast rewards, which can mess with your attention span and baseline mood.

So what’s the takeaway? Although you don’t need a full detox, giving your brain space to be bored, to focus deeply, and to experience slower forms of pleasure—such as taking a long walk or journaling—can retrain your reward system, and science backs that.

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SL: This Tiny Texas Town Is Known As The Cowboy Capital Of The World

From Southern Living, “Saddle up. Here are the best things to do in Bandera, Texas.

I’m a lifelong Texas resident, and I’ve been on the receiving end of the Texas stereotype throughout my travels, often being asked, “But where are your cowboy boots?” by people I meet casually. While I do own a pair of cowboy boots, I come from one of Texas’s urban areas. But if you want to experience authentic Texas cowboy culture, there’s one place to go: Bandera.

Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Bandera is like a step back in time. You’ll see hitching posts in front of stores and local watering holes, and although it feels a little bit like walking onto a movie set or a living history museum, this is the real deal. It’s common to see horses outside Bandera establishments while their owners are inside wetting their whistles or taking care of errands.”

For more go to:  Best Things To Do In Bandera, Texas

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Summer Work Zone Safety

Highway work zones can be annoying, but they are also a reason for drivers to exercise caution and remain aware.

Many areas impose serious penalties for aggressive and reckless driving through work zones, which is one of the most dangerous jobs for highway workers and hazardous to drivers as well. About 40,000 crashes a year happen in work zones, and in four out of five cases where an accident results in a fatality, it is the driver who is killed.

Here is how to keep yourself and the workers safe:

• Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. The most common accident in a work zone is a rear end collision.
• Stay alert for changing circumstances. Don’t text or talk on the phone when driving through a work zone.
• Respect posted speed limits. Going 45 miles per hour through a five mile work zone, instead of 55 miles per hour, adds only 1.2 minutes to your trip.
• Obey the flaggers. They are not loafing, they are working in a dangerous situation.
• Find alternate routes that aren’t work zones.

Most crashes in work zones involve drivers who follow too closely, change lanes unsafely, fail to yield, or drive too fast.

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June 2025 Trivia Answer

Question: What is the highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation?

Answer:  Gone With The Wind

Congratulations to Justin Strother! 

Your name was randomly selected from all of the correct entries. You’ve won a $50 gift card to one of the following: Amazon.com, Target, Khol’s, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Home Depot, Academy, Petsmart, Outback, Carrabba’s Italian, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, Chili’s, Red Robin, Panera’s, OR IHOP.  IT’S YOUR CHOICE!

July 2025 Trivia Question

Question: What U.S. state has the most miles of coastline? 

Everyone who contacts Elisa via email (Elisa@BrunerTeam.com) or phone (832-746-7911) with the correct answer by July 25th will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to one of the following: Amazon.com, Target, Khol’s, Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Home Depot, Academy, Petsmart, Outback, Carrabba’s Italian, Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, Chili’s, Red Robin, Panera’s, OR IHOP.  It’s your choice!

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Facebook Page

Dear Readers,

You are welcome to check out my business Facebook page where I post our latest listings as well as real estate tips, etc throughout the month. Just go to  ElisaMcNinchRE. 

And as always, thank you for allowing me to be your real estate consultant for life. I love what I do because of clients like YOU! 

– Elisa McNinch, Realtor