underwriters on short sales

[Stacey B.]

i would like to know any information that would be helpful on how long will my short sale sit on an underwriters desk . also what does the underwriter do? Iam the buyer of the short sale. I am also will be paying cash for the home. i ask my realtor and all i get is one worded answers. timeline is as follows  signed offer on house the seller signed the next day. all short sale paperwork was sent to
Regions bank. an email came saying it is on the underwriters desk as of the 25th of March. Please some tell me what is the next steps