Most economists don't expect a recovery in the housing market in 2011, but some real estate experts say they remain "cautiously optimistic."

Can you believe 2011 is only a few weeks away? Where did 2010 go?

Seemed like yesterday that the market was all abuzz about the homebuyer’s tax credit. The incentive spurred a lot of home buying activity early in the year, but as expected, the flurry slowed down when the credit expired.

We aren’t going to see that same excitement as we start 2011, but the good news is that homes will continue to be affordable.

Prices are still coming down in some markets, so if you’re on the fence, it’s a good time to start looking. And if you’re an investor with lots of cash, there are plenty of opportunities for you.

Find out what else you can expect in the new year >>

Start planning your home purchase >>

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I caught up with Robert Shiller (of the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices) at the “Distressed Real Estate Summit” in New York City, where he shared his insight with more than 700 real estate developers, investors and other professionals. Hear what he has to say:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Shiller told attendees that current government efforts seem “like a big bailout,” and rather, we should focus on setting up “the framework for new economic systems” and “create a liquid market for real estate.”

Shiller is founder and chief economist of investment management firm MacroMarkets and co-developed the methodology behind the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, which track changes in home prices in 20 metropolitan regions across the United States. Each month, investors look to the data for insight into the housing market.

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Furthermore, delusional sellers are blocking the road to the housing recovery. Until they wake up to the reality of today’s market and price aggressively, they’ll need a dose of HGTV’s “Real Estate Intervention.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

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