What does one do when the RE.net is a buzz about a new collaborative coworking environment amongst local RE agents called RETT? Ask Andy Kaufman his thoughts, of course. Andy Kaufman “founded & was lead organizer of the first Real Estate BarCamp, a spontaneous, participant generated conference in San Francisco.  Since that first event, there have been over 20 RE BarCamps from coast to coast and Andy continues to support and participate whenever possible.”

His reaction? He loves it, is fully supportive, extremely jealous and looking to learn from RETT’s experience.

It’s not that Andy hasn’t thought about doing a similar thing in San Francisco, as RETT seems like the logical extension of RE BarCamp. It’s been on his mind ever since coworking spaces, such as Citizen Space and Hat Factory starting popping up in SF around 2005-06 (of note, citizen Space was co-founded by Tara Hunt, author of the Whuffie Factor and Chris Messina, open source enthusiast and current google employee; and Hat Factory was the first full time coworking space in SF).

In fact, he’s toyed with the idea on a smaller scale, often getting together for informal sit downs with fellow SF area RE agent Ginger Wilcox and Mike Simonsen of Altos Research. And Andy is considering making use of a conference room that SF realtor Brad Coy has offered for the purpose of coworking with other RE folks. But as far as organizing a daily coworking space akin to RETT in San Francisco, Andy will probably take baby steps towards that goal. Perhaps start out with a weekly meeting and go from there.

Right now, Andy seems much more concerned and excited about learning from RETT’s day-to-day evolution. Currently RETT is gathering at Gangplank–Phoenix’s first open coworking space–which Andy sees as the perfect environment for RETT’s development during its infancy stage. But if RETT decides they want a space of their own, he’s interested in seeing what options open up as far as sponsors and rental space.  Because without an ally like Gangplank in tow, rental space and sponsors become paramount in any discussion of a permanent coworking space for RE agents in the Bay Area.

Despite all the positive things that have been said of RETT, there have been a few skeptics. Recently, Frances Flynn Thorsen commented on RETT’s Facebook page, “How productive can you really be in this kind of a situation?…What about embracing the concept of a real office with common areas for collaborating…?” Andy’s thoughts on the subject are similar to those of D. Patrick Lewis, who responded to Francis’ post as follows:

I think the definition of a “real office” is changing and I don’t think RETT is trying to replace a “real office” it will not replace my office, it is going to be another productivity tool in my real estate toolbox.

Regardless of ones opinion, RETT has been the talk of the RE.net in the last few days. Whether RETT is the beginning of a new trend in real estate collaboration or just a flash in the pan–an idea before its time–remains to be seen. But perhaps Andy puts it best when he says that, “Phoenix is definitely onto something and everyone is watching.”