The
Midwest has a population of more than 61 million people (about 20 % of the national total) and generates a
regional gross domestic product of more than $ 2.6 trillion (about 19 % of the national total).14 The
Midwest is home to expansive agricultural lands, forests in the north, the Great Lakes, substantial industrial activity, and major urban
areas, including eight of the nation's 50 most populous cities.
MLS Grid board member Rebecca Jensen, who is also president and CEO of
Midwest Real Estate Data, a
regional MLS in the Chicago
area, said the system will represent 150,000 real estate professionals and offer standardized license agreements.