Leigh,

According to The Inflation Calculator $148.50 in 1958 dollars would equate to $1,195.00 in 2010 dollars. Probably a few percent higher in 2012 dollars.

This seems to follow the averages recently quoted of around $1,200 for a $200k home but Florida was around $2,100. You don't disclose the sales price on your parents' home to know the rate. And I'm assuming title insurance when it says search and examination, which was the method in a lot of areas before insured titles.

These fees-per-thousand and percentages-of-totals have automatic inflation adjustment in them. As the underlying property increases in value so do all the surrounding fees based on such.

I always wondered why taxes increase based on property values. It doesn't cost the city any more to operate, as an example, when my house may increase in value either by market condition demand or improvements.