Frequently asked questions
Who is Savannah Sikes?
Savannah Sikes is a Fredericksburg, Texas native and luxury REALTOR® (GRI) with Absolute Charm Real Estate Group, brokered by eXp Realty. She has been a Top 20 agent in the Central Hill Country Board of REALTORS® MLS every year since 2018, ranked #2 of 355 agents in 2025, and has over $75 million in sales. Her team named her Agent of the Year.
What areas does Savannah serve?
Fredericksburg and all of Gillespie County, including Stonewall, Comfort, Harper, Johnson City and Boot Ranch. She works with luxury homes, historic homes, short-term rentals and investment properties, land and ranches, and new construction.
Neighborhoods and restrictions
Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Fredericksburg?
Inside the Fredericksburg city limits, any home rented for less than 30 days needs a City short-term rental permit, and whether a property can get one depends largely on its zoning. Homes just outside the city limits do not currently need a City permit, but hotel occupancy tax still applies and deed restrictions or an HOA may limit rentals. Rules change, so always confirm the current ordinance and a property's permit status with the City before you buy.
Fredericksburg STR rules explained
Is a Fredericksburg short-term rental a good investment?
It depends on the property and the numbers. Start with real booking records, not projections, then look at occupancy, average nightly rate and month-by-month performance, and budget honestly for management, cleaning, platform fees, utilities, insurance and property taxes. Savannah and her dad own a historic B&B one block from downtown, so she reads these numbers as an owner.
How does the Texas homestead exemption work in Fredericksburg?
If you own and live in the home as your main residence, you can file a free homestead exemption with the Gillespie Central Appraisal District. Since the 2025 tax year, the school-district exemption is $140,000 (up to $200,000 for homeowners 65+ or disabled), and a homestead's appraised value generally cannot rise more than 10% a year. Second homes and short-term rentals do not qualify.
What should I know before buying Hill Country land or a ranch?
Check the agricultural or wildlife valuation (and the rollback tax if use changes), water and well records, septic permitting, legal access, a current survey and any deed restrictions. Each one affects what you can build and what the land is worth.
Buying Hill Country land and ranches · Deed restrictions explained
How do I find out what my Fredericksburg home is worth?
Savannah prepares a free, detailed market analysis using recent sales from the local MLS, the appraisal district record and, for rental properties, the income. Call or text (830) 992-0101 or send a message.
Sell with Savannah · Latest market report
Can I search all homes for sale in Fredericksburg on this site?
Yes. You can see Savannah's own listings, the Absolute Charm team's listings, and search every home for sale in the area.
Savannah's listings · Search all homes
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and rates change; confirm details with the City of Fredericksburg, Gillespie Central Appraisal District or your advisor.