Is there such a thing as a "first option to purchase" on real estate

I wish to purchase vacant land adjacent to my property, but I feel the owner would not sell to me at this time. To avoid the having the land being sold without my having an opportunity to bid on it, can I place a sort of standing offer to buy? If so, how is this done?

Thanks in advance.

[HomeGuru]

It is called an option or first right of refusal.
You must negotiate and then have a contract recorded on title.