You may be a natural influencer or a fantastic writer, but research shows you’re probably overestimating your persuasion abilities via email and underestimating an in-person request.

It all comes down to trustworthiness, which is more readily conveyed through your nonverbal cues and not your text-based communications. And although you know you’re trustworthy, an email recipient—like the agent for the other party—may not.

The takeaway isn’t that you always have to make requests of people in person. In fact, it’s likely not possible for certain aspects of a real estate transaction. Instead, realize your in-person request is more likely to be met. And while it’s more convenient to send a text or email, assess what you’re asking for and whether you have the ability to do it in person.