The Uncounted Promise

You’ve heard the saying, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” It’s one of those bits of wisdom we tend to brush off—until life reminds us why it stuck around. In today’s fast-paced world, we often rush to experience results and define success by what we can measure. But that endearing phrase is a gentle nudge to slow down.

Each unhatched egg holds more than just potential; it holds a promise. Not a guarantee but an invitation. A quiet chance to nurture something without demanding immediate proof that everything will eventually work out. Yet, we find ourselves penciling in outcomes and charting the end before the beginning has had its moment.

Some of the most meaningful things in life unfold on their own time. Love, growth, creativity, and healing don’t thrive under pressure or deadlines: instead, they need space,

patience, and trust. The kind of care that doesn’t rush but simply shows up repeatedly.

What if we stopped counting and started tending? What if we stopped chasing certainty and started honoring the mystery?

Life is a garden, not a scorecard—messy, unpredictable, and often slow to bloom.

Maybe the real measure of success isn’t in how many chickens you end up with.

Maybe it’s in how tenderly you hold the unknown, how willingly you trust the process and how bravely you believe in beginnings—even the uncertain ones.

~ 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:

• 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
• 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. 2 Primary Suites (1st & 2nd floor), Interior paint, Porcelain tile/Distressed wood laminate/Carpet, Updated lighting & more! Video: https://youtu.be/MrSPBJmC0CU 
• 7815 Kellwood in Woodland Oaks – (77040) –  FOR SALE $224,000  – www.har.com/88848534 – 1-story, 996sqft, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 2 car garage. NEVER FLOODED. Roof (2023), Furnace (2023), AC ductwork (2023), Walk-in shower (2024), Tile flooring throughout, Solid wood interior doors, Camera system. Inviting porch & handcrafted front door. Kitchen with granite-looking laminate countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel refrigerator, gas range, venthood microwave, dishwasher, & pantry. Breakfast bar. Full bath with remodeled shower with dual showerheads, glass block window, vessel sink. 2-car garage with large storage closet. Utility area in garage. Fully fenced backyard w/ large covered patio  Video: https://youtu.be/GAFolbwQYoU
• 16218 Capri in Jersey Village – (77040) –  FOR SALE $469,000  – www.har.com/87317877 – 1.5-story, 2750sqft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car garage. Home has all 4 bedrooms on the 1st floor. Two primary suites makes this an ideal home for multi-generational family. Only game room 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.   Video: https://youtu.be/15EM4AYsY7w 
• 8309 Koester in Jersey Village (77040) –  FOR SALE $469,900 – www.har.com/34241337 – 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! Video: https://youtu.be/-14FQUf28ZQ 
• 15610 Township Glen in Fairfield – (77433) –  FOR SALE $499,000  – www.har.com/71102944 – 2-story, 3520sqft, 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 car garage. Home has 2 bedrooms & 2 full baths on 1st floor making it ideal for multigenerational 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
• 1305 Laird in Greater Heights (77008) –  FOR SALE $720,000 – www.har.com/16875149 – 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. 2 Primary Suites (1st & 2nd floor), Interior paint, Porcelain tile/Distressed wood laminate/Carpet, Updated lighting & more! Video: https://youtu.be/MrSPBJmC0CU 
• 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:

• 18015 Mountfield in Deerfield Village – (77084) –  FOR SALE $355,000  – 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 – 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 

MAY SOLD SALES:

• 235 W. 30th in Garden Oaks – (77018) –  FOR LEASE $2,200 – 1-story, 1170sqft, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, & 1-car garage – www.har.com/43229268
• 20819 Orange Poppy in Fairfield – FOR LEASE $2,550 – 1-story, 2047sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage –  www.har.com/7316792
• 3011 Clancy Meadows – FOR LEASE $2,240 – 1-story, 2094sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage –  www.har.com/52798119

• 1305 Laird in Greater Heights – Sun 6/8 from 1-3PM
• 15610 Township Glen in Fairfield – Sat 6/21 from 1-3PM
• 8309 Koester in Jersey Village – Sat 6/28 from 1-3PM
• 16218 Capri in Jersey Village – Sat 6/28 from 1-3PM

Coordinating and promoting the following:

• Fairfield Subdivision-Wide Open House: Sat 6/21
• Jersey Village Subdivision-Wide Open House: Sat 6/28

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June Vibes And Dad-Wisdom

June is here—longer days, warmer nights, and a good excuse to fire up the grill. (Thanks, Dad.) It’s also when we tip our hats to the father figures who’ve taught us everything from changing a tire to changing our perspective.

Their classic one-liners and quiet life lessons stick with us, sometimes more than we care to admit. This month let’s celebrate the wisdom, the wit, and the well-timed dad jokes that helped shape who we are.

Here’s to the guys who taught us how to do the hard stuff—and laugh along the way.

And if you haven’t called him lately, then this is your sign.

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Celebrate Father’s Day, Sunday June 15th

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Monthly Recipe: “Divorce Carrot Cake” Might Be The Most Hilarious Dessert We’Ve Ever Heard Of

From Southern Living, “This retro cake recipe from the 1970s is apparently that good.

Southerners will be the first to admit that we are purveyors and passers-down of countless curiously named dishes, from Chocolate Delight (also known as “Death By Chocolate”) to Funeral Potatoes. However, if you take a deep dive into the r/Old_Recipes subreddit, there are even more hilariously dubbed recipes to be found, including one cake recipe that went fittingly viral: “Divorce Carrot Cake.” We were intrigued, to say the least, along with over 300 other commenters. “

For more go to:  Divorce Carrot Cake

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Melbourne’s Trees Are Getting Fan Mail!

During 2015, the city of Melbourne came up with a clever idea: give each of its 70,000 trees a unique ID number and an email address. The practical goal was to help citizens report fallen branches, damaged trees, or tree-related trouble. Each tree’s email was linked to a database, making maintenance a breeze.

But then something adorable happened. People didn’t simply send emails to report issues; they wrote to the trees. They sent love letters, shared life updates, and checked in on their leafy friends. One particularly lucky elm received a sweet note: “I hope you’re doing well this autumn!”

Instead of shutting down the program, the city leaned into the fun and turned it into a PR success. Some emails even get replies (though Melbourne’s city employees might wish the trees could type the responses).

Of course, these trees aren’t actually scrolling through their inboxes, but that hasn’t stopped people from sending a little love to their favorite branches!

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June 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: June Events in Houston 2025

Houston Mom’s: Happenings in Houston in June

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

  101 Family Day Trips Around Houston

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Want Better Habits? Hang Out With Disciplined People

Your chances of losing weight increase when your friends are shedding pounds. Your work ethic improves when you admire and model yourself after a strong-disciplined individual. The same results apply to self-control: When you see others setting goals and sticking to them, you’re more likely to do the same.

A study from the University of Georgia found that even thinking about someone who possesses good self-control can boost your ability to stay disciplined. This was the first study to demonstrate that self-control is contagious within social and work circles.

The effect is so strong that researchers discovered a simple flash of a name associated with high or low self-control influenced participants’ behaviors, meaning that the habits and level of discipline of those around you— whether positive or negative—can subtly shape your own choices.

By exhibiting self-control, you can inspire and positively impact the people around you. If you stick to an exercise routine, then your discipline could encourage others to stay committed to their fitness, financial or career goals. Psychologists suggest that your example can help reinforce good habits in the people closest to you.

However, the opposite is also true. People with poor self-control can influence others negatively and spread such behaviors as unhealthy eating, smoking, or procrastination. Because humans naturally mirror the behaviors of people around them, these bad habits can take root if left unchecked.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can’t blame your friend for your second helping of cake, but you can choose to surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better.

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire social or work life. Simply thinking about a disciplined individual—whether a friend, mentor, or historical figure—can strengthen your own self-control.

So, who will you let influence you in a positive way?

From Southern Living, “Discover how often to clean your dryer vent to keep your home safe and your laundry routine running smoothly.

Recently, I noticed that most of what should have been fresh laundry coming out of my dryer was slightly damp, even after a complete dryer cycle. At first, I figured that I had stuffed too many clothes in the wash and dry cycle, or I thought it was a possibility that my washing machine wasn’t spinning or emptying correctly, leading to wetter clothes. But after my dryer airflow signal began blinking, I realized that the washing machine was not the culprit of the damp laundry, nor had the load been too large. The airflow signal most likely meant that the dryer vent required a cleaning, or worse, that there could be a clog in the vent or the dryer itself. 

Although I know regular dryer vent cleanings are necessary, I was unsure exactly why it needed to done or how often the maintenance should be completed. Even though I frequently write about home maintenance tasks and tips, full disclosure here, I could not remember the last time the vent had undergone a thorough cleaning. It was time to call a professional for insight. So I did, and here’s what you need to know about this home maintenance task. Even though this task might be at the bottom of your home maintenance list (or even missed, like it was on mine!), it should be at the top of your routine maintenance list. “

From Southern Living, “American Cruise Lines is launching a Gulf Coast cruise in 2026 that will carry passengers between lively New Orleans and beachy Pensacola.

The Gulf Coast cruise sets sail from New Orleans and lasts for eight days and seven nights. Cruisers will stop in Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Mobile before disembarking on the sparkling white shore of Pensacola, Florida.

The new cruise has four available departure dates in March 2026 as well one departing on December 21. Rates start at $4,880 and are all-inclusive, with the exception of optional premium excursions.

Some of the optional excursions include visiting a gator ranch, spending time on a Biloxi shrimp boat, a dolphin cruise, and kayaking. All cruisers will get the chance to explore Ship Island and Fort Massachusetts, visit Jefferson Davis’ home in Biloxi, see pre-Revolutionary War landmarks in Ocean Springs, and check out the Mobile Carnival Museum. In Pensacola, a lighthouse, museums, and adventures on the water await.”

For more go to: American Cruise Line Launches New Gulf Coast Route

  Houston Housing Market Review

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

HOUSTON HOUSING MARKET SHOWS CONTINUED STABILITY IN APRIL

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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Meditation Can Improve Memory & Concentration

Everyone knows that meditation can reduce stress. But researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital say it directly affects the function and structure of the brain. It increases attention span, sharpens focus, and improves memory.

With the aid of advanced brain scanning technology, one study showed that daily meditation thickens the parts of the brain’s cerebral cortex responsible for decision-making, attention, and memory.

With practice, you can develop a state called mindfulness, which is being aware of what’s going on as it arises without jumping to conclusions, judgments, hopes, fears, or plans.

Meditation also improves productivity and reduces absenteeism at work, probably because it helps prevent stress-related illness.

Meditation seems to aid with emotional regulation, which helps people get along better. It acts on emotional intelligence, which neuroscientists say is more important for life success than cognitive intelligence.

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SL: 19 Hidden Texas Gems Only Locals Know About

From Southern Living, “There are plenty of well-documented restaurants and attractions across Texas, but the best finds are the ones with parking lots crowded with Texas license plates. These are the places where people wouldn’t even think about whipping out their phones for a shot for “Insta” before digging in. 

Texas is such a large state that there are more hidden gems than we could possibly cover in one place. Our advice? Strike up a conversation with a friendly face over breakfast or at the local farmers’ market, and then put their recommendations to the test.”

For more go to:  19 Hidden Texas Gems Only Locals Know About

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Invest In Landscaping To Raise Your Home Value

Landscaping is a no-brainer to add curb appeal to your home, but the value is more than just cosmetic — researchers at Virginia Tech found that it can increase property value by as much as 15%. According to the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, landscaping can significantly affect the perceived value of a home. And like many investments, a long-term approach can provide the biggest payoff in the end.

* Don’t just stick flowers and shrubs in the ground at random — follow a well thought-out plan. You can download pre-made plans or hire a designer to create a custom plan just for you.

* Add trees. Small young trees in 15-gallon pots are easy to transport home from a nursery and already offer some size, often at very affordable prices. The trees will continue to add value as they grow taller.

* Maintain fences and walls. Well-kept fences add to property values, but broken panels or cracked walls can actually decrease your home’s value.

* Avoid large outdoor water features. If you ever plan to sell your home, potential buyers probably won’t consider a fountain or fish pond an asset — they’ll just see a hassle that must be maintained or removed.    

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May 2025 Trivia Answer

Question: What is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature?

Answer:  Mercury

Congratulations to Brenda Griggs! 

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!

June 2025 Trivia Question

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

Everyone who contacts Elisa via email (Elisa@BrunerTeam.com) or phone (832-746-7911) with the correct answer by June 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