The largest national mortgage field services firm in the industry pays $3 for a mortgage drive-by inspection.

These mortgage inspections paid 200 – 300% more twenty years ago and they were a lot less work. You could say that mortgage inspections have not kept up with the cost of living … not kept up with inflation. Today, the tooth fairy pays more to kids for a lost tooth than the largest national mortgage field services firm pays for a mortgage drive-by inspection. The Associated Press reported that kids this year are getting an average of $3.70 per lost tooth, a 23 percent jump over last year’s rate of $3. And that’s a 42 percent spike from the $2.60 per tooth that the Tooth Fairy gave in 2011, according to a new survey by payment processor Visa, released on Friday.

So there you have it. A 7-year old kid is paid more for a lost tooth than a 45-year old  mortgage inspector is paid for a mortgage drive-by inspection with 7 digital photos. I’m sure kids will get even more in 2014 while mortgage inspection fees will remain level, or decrease. Maybe it’s time to explore and find some higher quality firms that pay higher fees.