Is there way to ensure your home won't be taken when buying?

[Bryan Tasumi]

I am in the process of buying a single-family home in Texas from California (out of state). Is there a way to ensure that a home you want won't be taken by someone else? What is the best way to ensure that the seller knows you are interested and willing to place higher bids? Should you let your buyer's real estate agent know that you want them to keep track of any bids on the property? Will they take advantage of this and try to make you bid higher to get a larger commission?

Since I am out of state, I want to be able to fly over to Texas and see the property before submitting my offer. How can I do this if someone else makes a bid before me?

Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you.