CityWide Properties was established in 2001 by Steven Verstandig, who obtained his real estate license at the age of eighteen. While attending Towson University in Towson, MD, he began purchasing properties in transitional areas. The first property was located in Hampden, Maryland. Steven purchased 25 total properties in this area from 2001 to 2005 while attaining his degree in Law and American Civilization. At this time, Steven began to expand his portfolio from buying single family homes in Maryland to purchasing mixed-use buildings and apartment complexes. His focus spread from Hampden to surrounding areas in Baltimore.