Even upon request of the principal, a broker is not required to reveal which of the following information about the third party?

In the context of real estate transactions, a broker has a legal and ethical obligation to maintain confidentiality regarding personal information about third parties involved in a transaction. The correct choice reflects a fundamental aspect of fair housing laws and anti-discrimination regulations. Specifically, revealing a third party’s race can lead to discriminatory practices and violate laws designed to promote equal opportunity in housing.

Understanding the rationale behind this is crucial. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Therefore, a broker's obligation to protect sensitive information includes not disclosing a third party's race, which could inadvertently contribute to unequal treatment or bias in real estate dealings.

On the other hand, the other options, such as credit history, occupation, and financial status, may be relevant to the transaction and could potentially be disclosed if it aligns with the interests of the parties involved and follows legal requirements. These types of information, while also sensitive, do not carry the same implications for discrimination and regulatory concern as race does. Thus, the emphasis on maintaining confidentiality around race is foundational in promoting fairness and equity in real estate practices.