my FICO is 768 . i am a first time buyer with a combined income of 198000.00 can i get a decent rate ???
The general answer is yes. There are other factors Fannie and Freddie have their own guidelines and additions to cost but the base rate should be good. Look or google Fannies 60 day delivery rate and you can see what the banks pay for the money.Hope that helps.

selling CA home, moving out of state
NO

How long before you can hear back on an FHA loan for first time home buyers?
If you are talking about underwriting, should be no more than three days from submission. FHA does not underwrite the lender does unless it's a special situation that the Lender needs to get an approval directly from FHA on a loan that does not meet guidelines. I am a DE (Direct Endorsement)...