Underwriting turn times vary from lender to lender, most will be around a week due to the low interest rates/high demand for mortgages right now. There are some lenders only a couple days in underwriting, and I know of several that are over 3 weeks out. Also purchases are underwritten quicker than refinances, as they know that purchases are on a time constraint with the escrow period and all.
I'd recommend your friend call on Monday and if he gets the loan officers voice mail, talk to the operator/receptionist and ask for the loan officers supervisor because his loan officer has been difficult to get a hold of as of late (perhaps the receptionist may know the loan officer has been out of town, was fired, etc.).
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