The Benchmark Title Agency was founded over 20 years ago by Melissa Colavito, Tom DeCaro, and Jean Partridge, three title professionals with decades of experience between them. Since then it has grown into one of downstate’s leading full service title agencies, with a staff of over 35 title professionals, including seven attorneys, paralegals, and some of the best closers in the business. We represent nine underwriters, which means that whatever the challenges we can always find an underwriter for your transaction.
Our people are recognized as some of the best in the business and are especially committed to our clients. Jean Patridge is past president of the NYS Land Title Association. Tom DeCaro is a long-time board member of the NYS Association for Affordable Housing. Bernie Carr, our SVP for affordable housing, has over three decades of experience, including ten years as the founding executive director of NYSAFAH and two years as interim ED of Thorpe Family Residence. Benchmark is a NYC and NYS certified WBE.
Affordable and supportive housing projects have long been important to us. In 2020 and 2021 alone we closed 71 projects representing over $1.5 billion in total development costs. Our clients include many of NYC’s major not-for-profit and for-profit development organizations. We’ve worked with every major law firm and funding source involved in affordable and supportive housing.