As investors search for new ways to make money in the new year, many find themselves tempted by real estate.

As you can see from the chart below the iShares Dow Jones US Real Estate ETF, is down about 43% since this time last year. (The IYR is made up of all kinds of real estate holdings including malls, warehouses, apartments and more.)

And as you likely know, all areas of real estate were hammered last year. Though the outlook for this year is still shaky, there is some optimism that the market will at least stabilize this year -- and maybe go higher.

The conventional wisdom is of course, after a year like the one we've just had how much worse can it really get.

Much will depend on how quickly the economy—and jobs—start to recover.

"The health of the commercial real estate sector is a direct reflection of the health of the broader economy," says Bruce Mosler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cushman & Wakefield.

And that leads to our Fast Money Reader Poll. When do you think the real estate market will turn the corner?

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