Al & Elissa, the husband-and-wife team behind Rather Be Properties
A family-owned vacation rental company built around one idea: five-star stays and unforgettable memories, in homes we have personally been in, from the Outer Banks to the Coachella Valley.
Thirty-two homes, five destinations, one team you can actually reach.
★★★★★ 4.93 average guest rating · Airbnb Superhost · Vrbo Premier Host · Managing since 2021
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Married to a song called Rather Be
Rather Be Properties was inspired by our own journey. We met in Dubai, married in 2014 to the song “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit, and built a business around our shared passion for travel, hospitality and creating memorable experiences.
What started with managing our own vacation homes has grown into a family-owned vacation rental management company serving homeowners and guests across multiple destinations. Today we are dedicated to maximizing each property’s potential while delivering the five-star service that makes every stay feel like there is no place you’d rather be.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks and Piedmont, the Coachella Valley, Arizona and Southern California, every home priced, marketed and cared for by the same small team.
Professional revenue management meets genuine hospitality
As vacation rental owners ourselves, we understand that every home is an investment, and every guest stay is a chance to create lasting memories. We built Rather Be Properties to serve both sides well.
For homeowners
Expert marketing, dynamic pricing, direct-booking strategy, AI-powered technology and hands-on property management designed to maximize occupancy and revenue.
For guests
Thoughtfully equipped homes, responsive local support and personalized service from booking to checkout. We go beyond providing a place to stay.
For the long run
A dedicated team that builds long-term relationships with owners while creating unforgettable experiences for guests. Owners invest with confidence; guests feel at home.
The people behind every stay
Guest support, cleaning coordination, owner reporting, listing management: a small team that knows every house by name.
Al & Elissa
Al Sedighravesh
Al leads the company’s growth, owner relationships and strategic vision across California, Arizona and North Carolina’s Outer Banks. With more than a decade in the mortgage industry, where he ranked among the top 1% of originators nationwide from 2015 to 2022, plus experience in home renovations and real estate investing, he brings a strong financial and operational foundation to vacation rental management. His passion for innovation, technology and exceptional owner service has helped Rather Be Properties grow through trusted relationships and outstanding results.
Elissa Sedighravesh
Elissa brings over a decade of experience from some of the world’s leading luxury resorts, including Hayman Island, One&Only Great Barrier Reef and Atlantis The Palm Dubai. She leads marketing, listing optimization and new property launches, combining five-star hospitality expertise with creative, data-driven strategies to maximize occupancy and revenue. Her passion is creating unforgettable guest experiences while helping homeowners achieve exceptional results.
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Questions about us
Who owns Rather Be Properties?
Al and Elissa Sedighravesh, a husband-and-wife team. We started by managing our own vacation homes and grew into a family-owned vacation rental management company serving owners and guests in North Carolina, California and Arizona.
Where are your vacation rentals?
The Outer Banks of North Carolina (Corolla, Duck, Avon and Frisco), the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, Indio and Desert Hot Springs), Arizona (Tucson and Chandler), Southern California (Mission Viejo and San Diego) and the North Carolina Piedmont (High Point and Raleigh).
Do you manage homes for other owners?
Yes. Rather Be Properties is a full-service vacation rental manager: marketing, dynamic pricing, direct booking, guest communication, cleaning and maintenance coordination. Start with a free Revenue Rescue Audit to see where your home could earn more.
Why should I book direct with you?
The same home is about 10% less on our site than on Airbnb or Vrbo for a like-for-like flexible booking, with no platform service fee, clearer cancellation terms and our team one message away.
Can I reach a real person?
Always. Our guest support runs 24/7, and before you book you can call or text (949) 407-7448 or email support@ratherbeproperties.com and talk to someone who has actually been in the house.
Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to hosting you!
Al, Elissa and the Rather Be team are one message away, before you book and the whole time you stay.
Because there’s no place you’d rather be.