The Quiet Gift Of Gratitude

     In the quiet moments, it softly speaks,

  A whisper that warms, a touch on the cheek.

It’s found in the simple, the small, the unseen,

In mornings that glow and nights between.

It lives in the laughter, the tears that we share,

     In kindness exchanged, in how we care.

It’s the hand that we hold, the light in our eyes,

The comfort we feel beneath endless skies.

    The pause in the chaos, the breath that we take,

    The joy that we find in each little mistake.

    It lives in the rain, in the chill of the air,

                 In moments we pause, in the love that we bear.

          It’s waking to sunlight, or stars in the night,

             A feeling that carries us, gentle and light.

     For every small wonder, for each silent grace,          

   Gratitude shapes us, leaves time in its place.

   In a world that moves quickly, it slows down our pace,

And teaches us softly to cherish each space.

~ 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:

• 10462 Hammerly Blvd in Spring Branch (77040) –  FOR LEASE PRICE $1,850 – https://www.har.com/57158694 2-story townhome in Victorian Village was built in 1970, offers 1716sqft with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, & attached 2-car carport. Lease includes refrigerator, washer & dryer, water/sewer, and trash. Recent updates include roof, exterior siding, PEX plumbing, and interior paint. No carpet. Granite in kitchen and baths.  Video: https://youtu.be/lZ7SingD2hU
• 8318 Shadow Wind in Windfern Gardens (77040) –  FOR SALE $230,000 – www.har.com/24291794 –  1-story, 1535sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car carport. Roof w/ 30-yr shingles & warranty (2024), Trane 14-SEER heat pump system (2020), energy efficient double pane windows (2011), brick & Hardie board, & plank-style engineered wood flooring. Home is being sold “as is” & is ready for a new family to customize & add its personal touches to make it their own. Video: 
• 15806 Tenbury in Jersey Village (77040) –  NEW PRICE $399,900 – www.har.com/56521408 –  2-story, 2576sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3 car garage. Double pane Low-E windows; Replumbed w/ PEX plumbing (no galvanized pipes); Home roof (2023) & Garage roof (2009); Electrical panel replaced, relocated, & 220 outlet added (2009); 15 SEER 5-ton HVAC; Water heater; Hardie siding. Video: https://youtu.be/4Ed7yoifOvo  
• 5505 Hardy St in Ryon (77009) – FOR SALE $207,000 – www.har.com/97581240  – 5,000sqft lot ready to be built on. Lot is 50ft wide x 100ft deep. No HOA. No MUD. Low tax rate. 

PENDING LISTINGS:

• 16405 De Lozier in Jersey Village (77040) –  NEW PRICE $399,900 –www.har.com/75055254 – Charming contemporary, 1-story home, built in 1977, 2271sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, & 2 car garage with carport. Located on a quiet street. Roof with warranty (7/12/24), PEX plumbing (2022), Double pane low-E windows (2020), Generac whole-house generator (2021), High-efficiency AC (2022), Hardie board siding, Wood-like porcelain tile flooring & MORE!  Video: https://youtu.be/dh3ItB0yRVQ
• 16409 Jersey Hollow in Wyndham Village (77040) – FOR SALE $599,900 – www.har.com/94173578 –  2-story, 3727sqft, 4-5 bedrooms, 3 baths, gameroom,  oversized 2 car garage, & porte corchere. 1st floor primary bedroom. Study (or bedroom 5) & full bath on 1st floor. Amenities: Roof (2021), 2 zoned HVAC systems, 2- water heaters, hardwood floors, EV outlet in garage. No rear neighbors. Not in 100-yr flood plain (according to survey). Video: https://youtu.be/RuDvb6N7jXM 

NOVEMBER SOLDS:

• 16222 Lakeview in Jersey Village (77040) –  FOR SALE $330,000 –www.har.com/75675777 – Multiple offers. Under contract in 5-days- 2-story cottage-style home, built in 1977, 1962sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, & 2-car detached garage. Amenities: Never flooded, on same power grid as JVPD & JVFD, interior & exterior paint (2024), Carpet (2024), garage door opener (2024), side & rear fences (2020 & 2024), new gas line (2021). Video: https://youtu.be/O3x1OjywYPw

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Tender Care For Poinsettias

Some extra care can keep your poinsettia staying beautiful for months. Location is the first consideration: Place it near a bright and indirect light source.

If the pot is wrapped in decorative foil, punch holes in the bottom so the plant’s roots will not be standing in water. Place the plant in a saucer to collect extra water.

When watering it, always use water that is room temperature, so the roots don’t chill. Slowly add water to the pot until it drains out the bottom. Discard the excess water.

Water only when the top quarter inch of the soil is dry. Too much water will make the leaves turn yellow and drop; not enough water will cause the plant to wilt and drop its leaves.

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Monthly Recipe: Grandma’s 20 Favorite Holiday Party Recipes That Never, Ever Fail

From Southern Living, “Look no further than these retro, crowd-pleasing party bites.

During a season full of hosting and parties, appetizer nibbles are the name of the game. No matter if you’re creating a whole spread yourself or tapped to bring something to the gathering, these classic Grandma-approved party snacks won’t let you down.

Easy to make, appealing to a crowd, and with just enough unique flair, these 20 nostalgic holiday party recipes that came right out of your grandmother’s cookbook are guaranteed to please every time, so be prepared for repeat requests and rave reviews.”

For more go to:  20 Of Grandma’s Favorite Holiday Party Recipes

Clever Ways To Prove Santa Was Here

Make Christmas morning extra magical with these fun and unique ways to show your kids that Santa really made his visit!

Santa’s Footprints: Use flour or powdered sugar to create “snowy” boot prints leading from the door or fireplace to the Christmas tree. Your kids will love following Santa’s path through the house!

Santa’s Magic Key: If you don’t have a chimney, leave a special “magic key” by the door for Santa to use. In the morning, the key can be left behind with a sprinkle of glitter and a note from Santa saying he used it to enter the house.

A Text from Santa: Schedule a personalized text or email “from Santa” to arrive on Christmas morning. It could say, “I just left your house! Thanks for the cookies! Enjoy the presents! – Santa.” Your kids will be amazed that Santa can text!

Santa’s Wrapping Paper: Wrap a couple of gifts in special “Santa” paper, and leave a scrap near the fireplace or tree, as if Santa accidentally left a piece behind during his late-night delivery.

Santa’s Lost Hat or Glove: Place a red glove, Santa’s hat, or even a black belt under the tree or by the fireplace. Let the kids discover it and say, “Looks like Santa was in such a hurry, he left this behind!”

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  December 2024 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: December Events in Houston 2024

Houston Mom’s: Happenings in Houston in December

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

  101 Family Day Trips Around Houston

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Mastering Winter Blues: Self-Care   Tips For Staying Positive

As the days shorten and the temperature drops, many people start feeling the effects of the “winter blues.” Although experiencing less energy during this season is common to some people, simple self-care practices can help you stay positive and maintain your mental health.

Soak Up Natural Light: Because a lack of sunlight can affect your mood, try to be outside during daylight hours, even for a short walk. If that’s difficult to do, then consider using a light therapy lamp indoors to mimic natural sunlight.

Stay Active: Physical activity boosts endorphins, which help improve your mood. Even a gentle indoor workout, yoga session, or brisk walk around the block can make a big difference.

Eat Nourishing Foods: Incorporate mood-boosting foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, nuts, and foods rich in Omega-3s. These nutrients can help stabilize your mood and energy levels.

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing. These practices can reduce stress and help you stay grounded and focused on the present, rather than letting the winter blues overwhelm you.

Stay Connected: Talk with friends and family, even for only a quick chat. Social connections are key to maintaining a positive mindset during the colder months.

With these self-care tips, you can navigate the winter months with a positive outlook and keep the blues at bay. Small daily habits can have a big impact on your mental well-being!

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Southern Living: 6 Costly Home Improvements That Won’t Boost Your Property Value

From Southern Living, “These home improvement projects won’t pay off when you sell your house.

Are you daydreaming about building an addition or creating the kitchen of your dreams? Before hire a contractor, you might want to consider how much value these expensive projects will add to your home. A low return on investment may be worth it if you intend to enjoy your home for a decade or more. But if you plan to put your house up for sale in the next couple of years, you should reconsider renovations that won’t increase the value of your home—at least, not as much as you think. Here are the biggest home improvement projects that won’t pay off when you sell your home.”

Indulge In Comfort Food (with a twist)

Winter is the perfect season for comfort food—think warm soups, creamy casseroles, and hearty stews. But indulgence doesn’t have to mean unhealthy.

By adding a few smart twists to your favorite dishes, you can keep them nourishing and satisfying without overloading on heavy ingredients.

1. Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or Greek yogurt: For creamy soups or sauces, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or plain Greek yogurt. Coconut milk adds richness without the extra fat. Greek yogurt brings protein and tang to such dishes as mac and cheese or creamy soups.
2. Load up on seasonal veggies: Winter brings a bounty of nutrient-packed vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash. Add roasted veggies to your favorite comfort meals or swap them in for carbs. For instance, use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes or make a veggie-packed chili.
3. Go for whole grains: Comfort food can still be hearty without being heavy. Use whole grains, such as quinoa, farro, or barley, in casseroles or soups. They add fiber, keep you feeling fuller longer, and deliver a satisfying texture.
4. Bake with a healthy twist: Winter desserts can get a healthy makeover by swapping sugar for natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, and using almond or coconut flour instead of white flour. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to up the flavor and give your baked goods a cozy, seasonal twist.

With these easy tweaks, you can enjoy winter comfort foods while keeping them light and nourishing. So go ahead—indulge, but with a little extra goodness!

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The Polar Express Train Ride on Galveston Island

November 8 – December 23

For more information, go to: Galveston Polar Express 

For more December events & activities go to “Happenings in Houston” section of this newsletter.

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  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 HOME SALES SURGE AMID RISING MORTGAGE RATES IN OCTOBER

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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Get Ready For Ice Skating

If you are planning to get out on the ice, remember that while ice skating is fun, falling is part of the sport. And those falls can hurt — in 2018, ice skating-related injuries topped 50,000, according to the National Institutes of health. Bruises and knee injuries are most common injuries, say orthopedic surgeons.

Skaters caution that if you have only skated on pond ice, you will still be a beginner on commercial ice, which is smoother and slicker than a frozen pond. Start carefully.

Here’s some advice to skate safely:

• Wear skates that fit well. Lace them tightly and don’t let the loose ends dangle — tuck them in.
• Don’t wear baggy clothing. Nicely fitted light sweaters and jackets will work.
• Get skates for your kids that fit now so they will have ankle support.
• Warm up before and after skating.
• If you’re just learning, take a lesson. It’s important to know how to fall on the ice. One way: if you feel yourself falling, drop down on one knee, then the other, and break the fall with your hands.
• Skate with a friend or in a group.

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Southern Living: We Asked Disney Regulars Their Best Money-Saving Tips For The Parks—And We’re Doing All These From Now On

From Southern Living, “Because you likely already know about the free water. Level up your theme park knowledge and save big on your next Walt Disney World vacation.

Walt Disney World…in this economy? The Most Magical Place on Earth (and one of our favorite places to eat in Central Florida) just dropped its 2025 holiday season pricing, solidifying the mouse house as more expensive than ever.

Nearly every park is now more than $125 a day, and several popular peak season days will be a buck short of $200 a ticket or about the cost of an upper deck ticket to the Iron Bowl.

If you and your family are planning to visit all four theme parks and maybe a water park (you really should, especially Blizzard Beach) during a popular vacation time when it’s easiest to use PTO days or leverage school breaks, that’s like going to the Iron Bowl five days in a row. And that’s not even accounting for lodging, meals, transportation, and premium add-ons, such as Lightning Lane passes, Memory Maker photography downloads, and more.

So how are people budgeting for a Disney World trip? And how do influencers, Orlando locals, and annual pass holders spend so much time in the parks without breaking the bank? They know the tricks, such as asking for free water at quick-service restaurants instead of buying a $5 Dasani bottle or bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling at various water foundations throughout the parks.

And that’s only the beginning of this theme park sage knowledge. We asked a dozen Disney World regulars (this writer included) how to save money on a Disney World vacation and were floored by these why-didn’t-I-think-of-that hacks, dupes, and money-saving tips.”

For more go to:  Disney Money Saving Tips

Holiday Fun For Furry Friends

People love spoiling and dressing up their pets for the holidays! According to a survey by Chewy, an impressive 94% of pet owners include their pets in holiday festivities, and 58% plan to buy their pets two or three gifts. Another survey shows that 78% of dog owners enjoy dressing up their dogs, though it’s worth noting that costumes can sometimes cause skin irritation or stress for the dogs.

Cat owners know that Christmas trees are basically cat paradise—with an indoor tree, dangling ornaments, and shiny decorations. Just remember, this setup is also tempting for pet birds, so keep an eye on both. Meanwhile, dogs are famous for “helping” unwrap presents—often more than just their own! Christmas can be risky for dogs who might chew on electrical cords, so take precautions to keep them safe.

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63rd Annual Kemah Boardwalk Christmas Boat Parade

On December 14 ONLY – This event is FREE! Hundreds of boats will be decked out for the holidays as they cruise along Galveston Bay.  Come early for the best view! Boats will pass the Boardwalk at approximately 7-8pm.

For more information, go to: Christmas Boat Parade

For more December events & activities go to “Happenings in Houston” section of this newsletter.

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 November 2024 Trivia Answer

Question: What chemical compound in pumpkins is responsible for their orange color, which is also found in carrots?

Answer:  Beta-carotene

Congratulations to Teri Dykman! 

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!

December 2024 Trivia Question

Question:  What is the official terms for the fear of snow?

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