The vacancy rate in Fresno's office market held steady in the second quarter of the year, despite economic challenges and soaring gas prices, a survey said Tuesday.

The overall rate of 10.6% dropped slightly from the 10.7% recorded in the first quarter and was down from the 11.7% in the final quarter of 2007, according to Grubb & Ellis/Pearson Commercial's Office Market Trends report.

"Asking rents are holding steady, but concessions are getting fatter," the report said. "Landlords are becoming creative."

The report said there is no disputing the market has slowed "by a considerable margin." But "Fresno's geographic location within the strong agricultural economy of the Central Valley helps buffer the highs and lows."