I ignore the question and move onto collecting their contact info and info on what they are looking for in their next home.

We have more...

Why? Millions of reasons, none of them good.

One possible reason - An agent is fired by the buyer who then buys through us. The agent wants a cut and calls us pretending to be someone else (we learned who he is by caller ID). He proceeds to harass buyer and us for months. 

Another example - An ex-spouse, or soon to be ex-spouse, wanting financial information to be used as leverage in a divorce. 

I talk about the property and let them know the transaction details are confidential.   

Why do people ask such questions?   The answer is likely as varied as the number of people "out there".  

I would not give any particulars about a pending sale, outside of the fact it is pending, list price, etc, but no confidential info.

If they are looking for that level of specific information, I'd try to find out who they are or why they are calling first.  Then I'd let them know that unfortunately information on pending transactions are not made public until recorded on the public record.  Then, I'd let my broker know about the call

I do not share the sale price as sales have been known to fall through. Depending on what the questions are I will tell when it is expected to close and the financing type.

I don't give out that information.

that property is pending at this moment, may i ask what are you looking for? ah... that home only has 4 bathrooms, however there is one down the street with 5 bathrooms as you like,  but i am sure your agent has shown you that one right? you havent seen it? may i show you? you have seen it? didnt you love the purple wall in the den? oohh... maybe you didnt see that one.. may i show you?  :)..... if its an agent calling i tell them to pound sand lol

I usually tell them something along the lines of " the sellers instructed me not to discuss or disclose anything about their sale". They can find that info in public records after settlement. It could be an agent that was working with a buyer and believes his/her buyer got another agent to write an offer for them.

I start asking them questions and a strange thing happens...They want to hang-up! Interesting

While I do understand why the agent does not want to say to a nosey caller...

"Confidentiality" for the buyer is not a listing agents duty.  The sellers/listing agent has that fiduciary only for the seller, never for the buyer.

Eve

I would ask them why they want to know just out of curiosity. Then, of course, explain to them that that is confidential information. Once the sale is closed and recorded, it will become part of the public record. People do that because they are not aware of the many nuances in real estate transactions and really do need to seek professional assistance. 

I share that which I'm able to do legally and ethically.

Jack Lewitz I've had a lot of people call for the sales price on pending offers. Same answer, call me again after it closes.

I merely tell them it will be public once the sale is completed.

I tell them that it is no longer available, but offer to review their search criteira.  Help them find a property that meets their criteria that IS available.  I use it as a reason they should be working with an experienced buyers agent Vs looking at outdated and inaccurate listings on Zillow.com and other sites.   Next question out of my mouth is if they have been approved by a lender yet.

The name of the buyer?

They may be pursuing a procuring cause issue or a multiple offer issue (the buyer will need to bail on one of them) or they have possible experience with a suspected buyer that you may find helpful to know. (I.E the are not who they say they are)

"What would be the name that has interest to you?" may be a good response.

I just say that I can tell them what is was listed for and would they like to see others in the area.