Celebrating Five Years of Burkhart Real Estate & Auction

Like many startups, Burkhart Real Estate & Auction began as a mere dream. Driven by a passion for real estate and auctioneering, Mike Burkhart knew from a young age that he wanted to build something of his own. Growing up in a rural town in western Kansas, he spent countless summers and weekends on his grandparents’ farm, where he was first introduced to auctioneering. “The cry of the auctioneer and the high ‘yips’ from the bid catchers captured my attention,” Mike reflects. “At that point, I knew I wanted to be an auctioneer.” He quickly came to appreciate how those events fostered an environment where the community could come together and connect. That sense of connection stuck with him, and years later, he carries that same spirit into every transaction.  

Family-oriented at heart, Mike admits that his first priority was to make a living and provide for his loved ones. Even now, that motivation remains at the core of his work. In the early days of the business, he and his wife, Tara, poured their energy into getting it off the ground. Though Tara was working full-time elsewhere, the couple spent nearly every free hour in the evenings and weekends working to grow the business and conduct auctions. Their dedication laid a solid foundation that allowed Burkhart Real Estate & Auction to grow, adapt, and overcome the challenges ahead.  

The real estate and auction industry requires adaptability and tailored solutions for each client and sale. Without a handbook to follow, the couple had to navigate these challenges by learning on the fly and leaning on the experience of others in the field. Mike emphasizes the importance of asking questions, encouraging others, "Do not be afraid to ask questions, and when you think you’ve asked all the questions on your list, ask a few more!" Understanding how crucial relationships are to success, he adds, "Thoroughly review your work and others’ to ensure accuracy and quality. Don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I apologize’." Humility is at the heart of Burkhart Real Estate & Auction’s core values. With every hurdle thrown their way, Mike and Tara learned that the only way forward is to own your mistakes, learn from them, and rectify the issue as promptly as possible.  

There are many unknowns when starting a business, as its success is often determined by consumer approval and support. Mike and Tara knew that gaining people’s trust was crucial in establishing the business as a resource the community could rely on. “It is scary starting your own business, but I was determined to provide a service that people could depend on and be someone clients could trust,” says Mike. Undoubtedly a leap of faith, the couple would soon be glad they took it. Today, the business has evolved into one that facilitates community connection in a unique way, building relationships and inspiring trust in the process.  

Burkhart Real Estate & Auction has experienced significant growth over the past five years, from early milestones to exciting achievements. A key milestone was Tara leaving her job to join the business full-time, a significant moment that highlighted the company’s ability to support that transition. Hiring a full-time staff member, followed by bringing on a team of agents that now includes five members, was no small feat. Together, the team has successfully sold over $71 million in real estate, including residential, commercial, and land, between 2020 and 2024. Reaching these milestones in just five years speaks to the team’s hard work, yet the focus remains on continuing to build lasting relationships with their clients. Mike believes their greatest accomplishment is the number of repeat clients they have. “It means more than any amount of sales,” Mike emphasizes.  

Looking back on their journey, one auction stands out: a 2021 land auction featuring more than 2,300 acres between six different sellers. Mike was responsible for coordinating, facilitating, and securing each seller’s commitment, working hard to ensure a smooth and successful experience for all participants. The land sold for over $11 million, making it a rewarding moment. A mentor of Mike’s complimented his efforts, saying, “That’s a once-in-a-lifetime sale you just had!” Mike adds, “I truly don’t take that for granted. I am incredibly grateful that the sellers placed their trust in me during the early days of Burkhart Real Estate & Auction.”  

While Mike and Tara are the driving force behind the business, they are adamant that they would not be where they are today without the support of the community. They feel fortunate to have the backing of so many, including family and friends, clients who trust them with important transactions, participants who attend and bid in their auctions, and homeowners and buyers who rely on them to facilitate their most important selling and buying transactions.  

“‘Thank you’ doesn’t feel like enough,” says Mike. “Our clients took a chance on this local guy who started this business from the ground up, and we are deeply grateful for their trust and support. You didn’t have to give us a chance, but we’re so thankful that you did.”  

The team stands by their claim that Burkhart Real Estate & Auction is truly Not Your Average Real Estate Firm. In addition to selling residential, commercial, and agricultural properties, the team also offers personal property liquidation services. “How many real estate brokers can sell both your home and its contents?” Mike challenges. The business provides a variety of sales methods to meet the unique needs of their clients. Whether it’s a traditional sale with a set price, a live public auction, or a more private bid-by-phone auction, the team takes a tailored approach to ensure the best outcome for each client. In the Midwest, many real estate and auction firms are unable to offer live in-person auctions due to a shortage of qualified auctioneers. At Burkhart Real Estate & Auction, Mike and his team have the expertise to host live auctions, complete with internet and phone bidding options. This ensures a broader reach and more convenient options for participants.  

While pleased with their progress so far, the couple remain eager to continue growing. “At this stage, we feel like we’ve found our rhythm, and our focus is on continuing to refine and perfect the personalized buying and selling experiences we offer our clients,” Mike says. “We’re committed to enhancing what we do and ensuring each client receives the best service possible.” Looking toward the future, Mike is confident that auctions will continue to be the best solution for price discovery and the quickest method to sell and transfer assets. In five years, the team hopes to continue leading in agricultural land transactions and establish a stronger presence in the residential real estate market, with community members turning to Burkhart Real Estate & Auction when they’re ready to sell their homes.  

Bringing more than ten years of real estate experience, Burkhart Real Estate & Auction specializes in connecting sellers and buyers for all types of real estate transactions. If you're considering putting your property on the market or looking to sell personal property, the experienced Burkhart team is ready to guide you every step of the way. To learn more about current and upcoming listings and auctions, visit www.soldbyburkhart.com or connect with them on social media.