My boyfriend and I aare in the process of purchasing a short sale. We submitted our offer in February. Our offer was accepted by the seller March 4. On April 20th, we were told the short sale package is on the final negotiator's desk but there was an issue that had to be addressed. That issue being the seller's middle credit score is 640 and anything over 620 requires a loan modification. The seller is elderly and living in a care facility. We were told this process shouldn't take too long as it was a simple variance. On May 5th, we were told the bank acknowledges the seller's medical condition. After a few weeks, I contacted my agent and he said he'd get back to me. Finally, we decided to go look at other houses. While we were out, our agent gave us some news. Apparently the negotiator had been working closely with the FHA to get the variance. On June 3rd, my agent sent me an email that had been forwarded to him from the negotiator to the seller's agent. The email stated that our offer is excellent and can be approved as soon as the FHA agreed. He said he was submitting a new variance that day and should hear back in a week, maybe less. I know it's only been one day since that week clock ended, but I am wondering how long variances take. I feel like this process is hitting every snag and we are starting to feel like we should move on but we've already invested so much time.

If someone could answeanswer me how long these variances take and if there is anything that can be done to speed up the process, I would appreciate it very much.