The type of account from which the distribution is made is only relevant if the distribution is an early distribution. As Critter said, the first-time homebuyer exception is only available for distributions from an IRA. If you are not a first-time homebuyer, as defined by the tax code, you won't be able to take advantage of this exception even if the distribution comes from an IRA.
For the definition of a first-time homebuyer, see IRS Pub 590-B:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590b/ch01.html#en_US_2014_publink1000230925">https://www.irs.gov/p...>
If you do qualify for this exception, you should make sure that the distribution from the IRA occurs shortly before closing. This means that the rollover from the 401(k) to the IRA will need to be complete before that.
