What is Oliver, a licensee who helps buyers with closing costs, attempting to determine?

In the context of helping buyers with closing costs, Oliver is primarily focused on determining the affordability of a home purchase. When buyers are considering making a purchase, it is essential to understand not just the price of the property but also the total cost involved in completing the transaction. Closing costs can be a significant part of this equation, and they often encompass various fees, taxes, and insurance that can impact the buyer's overall financial standing.

By assessing closing costs, Oliver can help buyers understand how much money they will need upfront, which directly relates to their ability to afford the home. Affordability takes into account the buyer's budget for both the purchase price and the additional costs associated with closing, ensuring they are not financially overextending themselves.

The other options focus on specific elements that, while important in the home buying process, do not directly address Oliver's objective of assessing the total financial commitment and its impact on the buyer’s budget. For example, loan interest rates can affect monthly payments but are not the primary focus when calculating immediate costs; property taxes are part of ongoing home expenses and not closing costs; and the closing date is a logistical consideration rather than a financial metric. Therefore, Oliver's determination centers around the overall affordability of the home purchase,